PlagiarismWhat kind of resources are available to assist me with Plagiarism issues?
Middlesex Community College faculty now has access to a SafeAssign™, a plagiarism prevention service, offered and integrated into Blackboard. SafeAssign checks submitted papers for plagiarism. Faculty members should create a SafeAssignment first to use this tool. Students may upload their papers directly or the faculty member may selectively check certain papers using the Direct Submit tool. SafeAssign checks all submitted papers against the following databases:
- Internet - comprehensive index of documents available for public access on the Internet
- ProQuest ABI/Inform database with over 1,100 publication titles and about 2.6 million articles from '90s to present time, updated weekly (exclusive access)
- Institutional document archives containing all papers submitted to SafeAssign by users in their respective institutions
- Global Reference Database containing papers that were volunteered by students from Blackboard client institutions to help prevent cross-institutional plagiarism.
Note: If faculty are using the Direct Submit Option papers will not be compared to papers submitted at other institutions. In order for a cross institutional comparison to occur the individual student must give permission.
Formats accepted by SafeAssign include:
Microsoft Word documents (Office 2003-doc; Office 2007-docx)
- Rich Text Format: .RTF
- HTML: .htm or .HTML
- Text: .txt
- Zip compressed: .ZIP used to upload multiple files.
How can I use the plagiarism software tool with my students?
Faculty can selectively check assignments, but it is not always apparent when plagiarism occurs. Creating a SafeAssignment and checking all submitted student work is a more comprehensive, time-saving approach in the long run. If not already available in electronic form the paper would need to be individually scanned. SafeAssignments are created by the faculty member before students can submit their work for review. Middlesex Interactive and library staff can assist you with training and more information. Handouts for faculty and students are available.
Are there handouts about Plagiarism available to give my class?
Several handouts have been prepared which deal with this topic. All of the information was provided originally by Turnitin and adapted by Library Staff. Feel free to distribute the material as needed.
Important terms you should know
Guidelines for Plagiarism Prevention
Preventing plagiarism ; a student Guide
Last Updated: Sept. 2008