Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism Policy

1. Introduction

The University of Limassol (UoL) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Plagiarism and any other form of academic misconduct are serious violations of these principles. This policy defines what constitutes plagiarism, outlines how students can avoid it, explains the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools responsibly, and describes the potential consequences of academic dishonesty.

2. Definition of Plagiarism?

Plagiarism presents another person’s work, ideas, or expressions as one’s own, without appropriate acknowledgment of the original source. It undermines academic integrity and devalues genuine learning. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying text, images, tables, or code from any source (including the internet) without proper reference.
• Paraphrasing or translating another’s work without acknowledgment.
• Submitting work wholly or partially produced by another person, student, author, or third-party service (including AI tools).
• Reusing one’s own previous work in another assignment or course without prior written permission (self-plagiarism).

3. How to Avoid Plagiarism

Students are responsible for ensuring all ideas, quotations, and data taken from other sources are properly acknowledged using the referencing style required by their program.

3.1 Paraphrased or Summarised Material

• Express the information in your own words and sentence structure.
• Include an in-text citation (e.g., Smith, 2022, p. 10).
• Provide a complete reference in the reference list (e.g., Smith, J. (2022). Understanding Academic Writing. Oxford University Press.)

3.2 Direct Quotations

• Enclosed the quoted text in quotation marks.
• Include the author’s surname, year, and page number (e.g., Smith, 2022, p. 45).
• Add the full citation in the reference list.

Note: Whether paraphrasing or quoting, proper referencing is essential to maintain academic integrity.

4. Use of Quotations

Quotations should be used purposefully to support your argument, not replace your own analysis.

• Quoted material should normally not exceed 15% of the total word count, unless otherwise justified (e.g., in disciplines such as Law or Literature).
• Overuse of quotations, even when correctly cited, may reduce the originality of your work.
• All quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and properly referenced.

5. AI Usage

The University recognises that AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) can support learning when used appropriately. Students may use such tools for:

• Brainstorming or generating ideas.
• Improving grammar, clarity, or structure.

However:

• AI-generated content must not be used to complete or write assignments unless explicitly authorised by the instructor.
• Any use of AI tools must be acknowledged clearly in the submission, following the University’s referencing guidance.
• Submitting AI-generated material as original work constitutes plagiarism.

6. Self-Plagiarism

Reusing or resubmitting the same (or substantially similar) work for more than one assignment or course without prior written approval is not permitted. Students must seek approval from the relevant instructor, who will decide whether such reuse is acceptable.

7. Categories of Plagiarism

Each case of plagiarism will be assessed based on:

• Intent – whether the act was deliberate or inadvertent.
• Extent – the proportion and significance of plagiarised material.
• Recurrence – whether the student has committed plagiarism previously.

Sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the offence, ranging from grade reduction or resubmission to course failure, suspension, or expulsion for repeated or severe violations.

8. Detection and Disciplinary Action

The University uses Turnitin, AI-detection systems, and other digital tools to identify potential plagiarism. All suspected cases will be investigated under the UoL Academic Misconduct Procedures. Students who found to have committed plagiarism will face disciplinary action consistent with the severity and intent of the violation.

9. Support and Resources

Students are encouraged to seek support to ensure they understand and comply with academic integrity standards. Assistance is available through:

• The referencing guide for their specific program (APA, Harvard, CYSCOLA, etc.).
• Course instructors or the University Library.
• The Student Help Centre on UoL Moodle, which offers additional materials and guidance on avoiding plagiarism.

10. Commitment to Academic Integrity

The University of Limassol values honesty, fairness, and originality as cornerstones of scholarship. All members of the academic community share responsibility for upholding these principles to preserve the integrity and reputation of the University.