Plagiarism
Plagiarism, in a nutshell, is using other people’s written words as your own.  Some people consider the use of 7-10 words in a row, copied from another source, as plagiarism.  Be sure to include citations when using other people’s writing, because plagiarism is a serious offense in any discipline, especially in journalism.

It is a firing offense in the professional world.

In the Department of Journalism and Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at UNT, students face a range of penalties for plagiarism (depending on the importance of the assignment):

•    A grade of “F” on a minor assignment;
•    A request that the student drip the class;
•    Withdrawal of the student from the class, initiated by the professor;
•    An F in the course;
•    A referral to the UNT Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities;
•    A notation on the student’s transcript;
•    And expulsion from the university.

A combination of these penalties may also be used.  If you need more information or have questions about plagiarism, ask you nearest journalism professor or visit the Center for Students Rights and Responsibilities.