In order to get the most out of your composition class, you must learn how to write ethically and responsibly in an academic setting. That means following the principles of academic honesty, using appropriate methods for citing the ideas of others, and avoiding reliance on generative AI programs. The Writing Program’s Plagiarism Policy and AI Policy (found in your course syllabus) will provide guidance on how to develop as an ethical, responsible writer, as will your instructor. LCCC’s Code of Conduct also explains the college’s expectations regarding academic honesty.

Plagiarism

Academic writing by its very nature includes the voices and ideas of multiple writers. When students, professors, and researchers write an essay, very rarely do they simply share their own perspective on a topic. Rather, they contextualize their perspective within a wider conversation of what others have said. Thus, academic writers must be careful to draw a clear distinction in their essays between their own ideas and the ideas of others. When a writer neglects to do this, it is called “plagiarism.”

Plagiarism can occur when a writer borrows an entire piece of writing and submits it as his or her own, or it can occur when a writer simply borrows an idea, a pattern of organization, or the wording of a source without acknowledging it appropriately. Plagiarism can be either intentional or accidental, but the consequences of either type of plagiarism are they same.

You will spend much time in your College Composition course learning how to acknowledge and cite sources in order to write in a way that avoids plagiarism. If you are ever unsure about a question involving plagiarism, you should consult with your instructor before submitting your assignment. A plagiarized paper will ordinarily receive a failing grade, and you may be asked to resubmit the assignment. Repeated plagiarism may result in failure of the course.

Generative AI

In your composition course, you will learn how to engage in a productive writing process. You will learn how to generate and evaluate ideas, how to develop and organize them, and how to draft, revise, and edit your writing. Because generative AI programs can prevent you from developing these crucial writing skills, using them is prohibited in all sections of College Composition. Exceptions will be made only if your instructor provides explicit instructions and guidance for using AI ethically and responsibly, and with proper attribution.

If your instructor believes that you have used generative AI without permission, you may be required to demonstrate your knowledge of course material in another way or fail the assignment. Any unauthorized use of generative AI will be treated as plagiarism and handled according to the course Plagiarism Policy.

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