Based on professional knowledge and philosophy, policies guide decision-making, help determine procedures of action, ensure equity...and guide appropriate decision-making in controversial situations. Procedures represent an implementation of policy. (IMPACT, p. 123).

It is recommended that school systems create a policy that defines plagiarism and addresses representative instances when plagiarism might be evident, as well as states the expectation for appropriate, ethical behavior in completing all assignments.  A plagiarism policy should address what is an actionable offense and how it will be resolved.  Specific procedures should be outlined and implemented according to the policy to, assure that institutional goals are met by providing appropriate steps for compliance with policy.  (IMPACT, p. 124).  The overall intent of the policy should be to create and foster a culture of academic and personal integrity.

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Recommended Plagiarism Policy Guidelines

• State principles and objectives of the policy - this should include one definition (original or quoted text) and possibly a list of characteristics of plagiarism
• Reference North Carolina G.S.14-118.2 http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct/infoethics/plagiarism/statute.html
• State the governance for enforcing the policy (e.g., school administration, school board)
• State the level where a final decision will be made (e.g., local school board)
• State the rules to be followed for due process
• Make reference to a procedures document that outlines precise steps for action to deal with infringements of the policy

Template for a Plagiarism Policy http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/ethical/policytemplate.html

Procedural Guidelines

• Reference the policy that the procedures enforce
• Outline the process for implementing the policy rules
• Include required evidence of instruction regarding how to do research, cite sources, provide attribution, etc. (Learning to Learn Honestly, p. 13)
• Include requirement for a written statement/pledge by students addressing ethical behavior compliance/academic integrity (Learning to Learn Honestly, p. 11)
• Define precise circumstances when procedures should be implemented
• Define steps for action to address non-compliance to the policy (including who is responsible for implementing procedural actions, e.g., a student honor committee).  Example:  Currituck County High School honor court and honor code