All students, faculty, and staff members at Bentley are very aware of the need for academic integrity in coursework and can probably recite the Bentley Honor Code from memory.
This is all possible because of the work of dedicated faculty members like Ellen Snedeker, who work hard to keep the Bentley community up-to-date about academic integrity expectations and resources.
I interviewed Ellen during finals week, since that’s when many students are faced with many assignments and studying hours, which can be tempting moments for breaking the honor code. Check out her tips and experiences below!
HC: What is your favorite part of working at Bentley?
ES: My favorite part of working at Bentley is working with students as they bring enthusiasm, intelligence and a quest for knowledge that keeps me wanting to give back in any way I can. Learning is a two-way street as I learn just as much from the students as I hope they learn from me.
HC: What is the best way to double-check your papers and projects for any citation errors?
ES: A really good way to check citations is to have someone in the writing center (in the bottom floor of the Library) go over the citations with a student before a final paper is due. The library also offers tutorials throughout the semester for proper citation work and can be most helpful as a refresher on proper citations! Â English tutors are also available if needed.
HC: What are some study tips for finals that you believe can help students avoid plagiarism issues?
ES:A great way to avoid plagiarism is to set up several timed drafts of the final paper well before it’s due. That way, a student can go to the writing lab and/or to their professor with a draft to make sure they are on track with what the professor expects. Several checks on a paper before a paper is actually due can greatly lessen the likelihood of plagiarism-whether intentionally or even inadvertently.
HC: Many students wonder if it is ok to reuse a paper for one class that was written in a previous class. Any advice?
ES:Any time a student wants to reuse a paper that they previously wrote, they should ask both the current professor as well as the previous professor to see if it would be ok. Believe it or not, some professors are perfectly ok with this as long as permission is given and the previous work is properly cited and is only being referenced and not totally duplicated for the new assignment. Communication with one’s professor is always key and is truly a student’s greatest resource in protecting one’s integrity!
So, collegiettes™, remember to keep it honest and original during these last couple weeks of the semester! Good luck with finals!