Skip to Main Content

Plagiarism

Ask a Librarian

Chat

Chat loading...

Email

refdesk@uwgb.edu

Appointment

Book a consultation

About this guide

This guide will provide you with information on what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, and UW-Green Bay's plagiarism policies. Use the navigation menu to explore topics and resources relevant to you.

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism happens anytime you use someone else’s words, ideas, or work without proper citation—even if it’s just a few words. Here are some common examples:

  • Submitting someone else's work as your own – This includes essays, assignments, or projects from friends, online sources, or purchased papers.
  • Copying and pasting without citing – Whether from a website, book, article, or another source, all borrowed text must be properly credited.
  • Paraphrasing without citation – Even if you rewrite something in your own words, you still need to cite the original source.
  • Using a direct quote without citation – Always use quotation marks and provide a source when quoting.
  • Reusing your own paper for another class without permission – Submitting the same work for multiple classes without approval is considered self-plagiarism.

When in doubt, cite your sources! If you’re unsure how, ask a librarian or your professor for guidance.

Tips for success

Keep Track of Your Sources
As you search online, the library website, and other resources, save anything you plan to use. You can print materials or save them electronically for easy reference.

Take Good Notes
Keep a detailed list of your sources, including page numbers or URLs. Highlight or mark the sections you plan to use in your paper.

Ask Your Professor
Not sure how to integrate sources into your paper? Your professor is a great resource—don’t hesitate to ask!

Plan Ahead
Avoid last-minute stress by staying organized and giving yourself enough time to research and write carefully.

Further Resources

Consult these resources for more info on avoiding plagiarism, quoting, and paraphrasing: