What are the consequences of plagiarism in college?

Published on February 28, 2018 by Lorenza Shabe. Revised on October 15, 2020.

If you use someone else’s words or ideas without properly crediting them, you could be committing plagiarism. The exact consequences of plagiarism depend on your institution’s rules and the type of plagiarism, but common consequences include:

  • Grade penalties
  • Failing your course
  • Facing disciplinary action
  • Suspension or expulsion from your university

Apart from the immediate consequences, being caught plagiarizing is likely to result in a black mark on your academic or professional record, creating problems for your future career. To avoid plagiarism, it is essential to properly cite your sources in every piece of writing you submit.

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Is professional proofreading allowed at US universities?

Published on February 20, 2018 by Lorenza Shabe. Revised on December 10, 2020.

The simple answer is yes! Most universities allow outside proofreading for longer texts like a Ph.D. dissertation, but for normal essays be certain to double check your department and university guidelines.

As long as your university does not have a policy in place against using outside proofreading services, proofreading is generally allowed.

Continue reading: Is professional proofreading allowed at US universities?