Cause and Effect of Cheating

Academic learning in today’s changing world brings demands to future professionals. Whether in a traditional classroom, or through distance learning, one thing is similar and which cannot bring forth a successful educational future. One thing that can damage anyone’s academic future is plagiarism. Whether being the future of a straight “A” student, or a student who is just getting by. The fact remains that anyone can fall victim to plagiarism. Plagiarism is the use of other writer’s words without acknowledging the source and taking those words and passing them off as one’s own ideas (Jones, 2001). Some people may think plagiarism is just copying someone else’s work but in reality plagiarism is much serious and hold very serious consequences. When plagiarism is caught the outcome can be critical to a students’ academic future (Jones, 2001). “Academic honesty and its consequences have become increasingly complex. Highly accessible electronic media, profound consequences for misconduct and reporting, and lack of standard practice intensifies the issues” (Afghani, Cook-Morales, Nguyen, Pena, Pena, &Robinson-Zanartu, 2005, p. 318). “Some universities, and departments, have developed clear guidelines and consequences for plagiarizers” (Afshani, 2005, p. 333). Consequences of plagiarism can vary in range from mild reprimands from instructors to expulsion from an academic institution (Afshani, 2005, p. 333). Although some universities have enforced clear guidelines and consequences for plagiarism, inconsistencies remain with how students are to be punished. Depending on the instructor, student, and situation, many different actions may be taken. A student who admits to plagiarism when confronted could possibly receive a less harsh punishm...

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... the instructors, but also destroys the trust level the instructor has for their students. Without trust, a student cannot prove themselves to other students and instructors, making his or her fight for success even harder. A student’s academic experience should be filled with the sense of achievement, accomplishment and satisfaction. The feeling of knowing they gave their best in everything they did. When embarking on the next level in one’s educational career, the memories of the obstacles that were crossed will come to mind, and the struggles that were overcome. One fact will remain in the minds of the truly satisfied students, is the memory of doing it on their own, honestly. One of the greatest lessons to learn is that those who are persistent are the ones who will succeed in getting the assignment done without compromising themselves by plagiarizing (Stow, 2005