The New Century Handbook, by Christine A. Hult and Thomas N. Huckin (2nd ed., Allyn & Bacon, 2001), defines plagiarism as "the unauthorized or misleading use of the language and thoughts of another author" (227). They assure the reader that "If you use source information carefully and accurately, you will avoid any charges of plagiarism" (227) and provide guidelines for quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing information from sources as well as documenting that information according to MLA, APA, CBE, or other guidelines.

It should go without saying that handing in someone else's paper as though it were one's own is plagiarism. It is also important to remember that copying and pasting someone else's writing on a Webpage or in a print source (book or periodical) or in an electronic database and presenting that writing as though it were one's own is plagiarism. It is plagiarism even if the student who copies and pastes the information lists the URL or other information about the source in a bibliography. 

A fuller explanation of plagiarism is available at www.bridgewater.edu/WritingCenter/plagiarism_def.htm.  You can find further discussions of plagiarism in the news and case studies for discussion on the Writing Center Website. (See Resources for Students.)

Plagiarism is generally seen as a serious violation of academic ethics, as serious as cheating on tests. Plagiarism is a violation of Bridgewater College's Honor Code. Any instance of plagiarism in work completed for classes at Bridgewater College will be reported to the Honor Council.

The Honor System (from The Eagle Student & Parent Handbook 2003-2004)
Personal honor, integrity, and respect for the word of another have been an integral part of student life at Bridgewater College since it was founded in 1880 and are the foundation of the Honor System. The Honor System serves as a practical example of student self-governance and is embodied in the Honor Code, which specifically prohibits cheating, stealing, and lying in academic situations or in Honor Council proceedings. It also requires students to confront or report suspected offenders of the Code. Because we appreciate the importance and convenience of our commitment to trust one another, we also recognize the need to address the few among us who are either unable or unwilling to accept and carry out the responsibilities of our mutual trust. Violations are considered serious, and can result in failure of the course, revision of the assignment, apology letters, restitution, restricted status, deferred suspension, suspension, and expulsion from the College. 
(See Bridgewater College Code of Ethics, also in The Eagle.)

Updated by A. L. Trupe Sept. 2, 2003