RELATED DOCUMENTS
Research Integrity Policy, Authorship and Publication of Results Policy, Plagiarism Guidelines, Research Data Management Policy, Principal Investigator, Review of Alleged Research Misconduct Procedure.
SECTION 1: POLICY STATEMENT
1.1. The University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is committed to upholding academic integrity. The university forbids any act of plagiarism in research, academic and general activities.
SECTION 2: SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY
2.1. This policy applies to the entire UM6P community (faculty, staff, administration and students) involved in research, academic and general activities.
SECTION 3: PURPOSE
3.1 The purpose of this policy is to promote the university’s compliance with best practices prohibiting plagiarism in research and academic work and upholding integrity standards.
3.2 The policy outlines the university’s position on plagiarism in all activities carried out within its research, academic and general domains. It also clarifies the university’s stance on administrative staff and their responsibilities regarding plagiarism.
SECTION 4: DEFINITIONS
4.1 Plagiarism: plagiarism is the use of other people’s work and ideas without reference to the original source. This practice may constitute a breach of ethics.
4.2 Research misconduct: refers to behaviors that deliberately or recklessly fall short of the expected standards in research, from conception to reporting. It encompasses fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research. For detailed descriptions of what is included see the Review of Alleged Research Misconduct Procedure.
4.3 Students: those individuals enrolled in or participating in an academic program within UM6P.
4.4 Staff and faculty: all employees (full and part time) of the university including but not limited to lecturers, heads of departments, any other staff involved directly or indirectly in research or related activities including technical, clerical, clinical and administrative staff.
SECTION 5: PROVISIONS AND GUIDELINES
Plagiarism rules for research activities
5.1. UM6P complies with international research ethical standards, viewing plagiarism as a grave offense that can significantly damage the university’s reputation and the researchers’
career prospects.
5.2. The UM6P research community is expected to maintain intellectual honesty and integrity while refraining from all forms of plagiarism (See Plagiarism Guidelines).
5.3. UM6P condemns plagiarism requiring scholars and researchers to uphold consistent levels of integrity and intellectual honesty across all their endeavors. This encompasses presentations, research proposals, internal documents, and all other deliverables.
5.4. Plagiarizing the work of another, particularly the work of one’s students, is the antithesis of the honest labor that characterizes true scholarship and without which mutual trust and respect among scholars is impossible. Accordingly, every faculty member should scrupulously recognize all intellectual debts owed, be they in the form of ideas, methods or
expressions, by means of an appropriate form of communication and acknowledgment.
5.5. Any discovery of suspected plagiarism should be reported to the appropriate department chair who will bring the matter to the attention of the affected parties, the dean and the Research Integrity Officer.
5.6. The severity of plagiarism is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Research Integrity Officer in accordance with the Review of the Alleged Research Misconduct
Procedure.
5.7. Allegations of plagiarism are handled in accordance with the Review of Research Misconduct Procedure, which is overseen by the Research Integrity Officer. When a complaint is received, the officer will initiate an investigation to evaluate the nature of the allegation and determine the level of responsibility and severity. Complaints can be filed for suspected plagiarism related to various materials, including documents, ideas, presentations, or research proposals, and may be submitted to address staff or faculty wrongdoing.
Plagiarism rules for academic activities
5.8. UM6P students are expected to perform their tasks and assignments in class with utmost integrity, and to adhere to all academic standards and regulations set forth by their
instructors and the institution.
5.9. Plagiarism in course work is strictly forbidden and is considered a serious academic infraction (See. Plagiarism Guidelines)
5.10. If an assignment or paper incorporates the ideas or work of others without proper academic attribution, this constitutes plagiarism. Students found to have committed plagiarism, whether through deliberate, knowing, or reckless actions, will face disciplinary measures detailed in paragraph 5.14.
5.11. Handing in a paper, project, or any assignment originally completed for one class to fulfill the requirements of another class is deemed plagiarism. Utilizing the same work across
multiple classes breaches ethical integrity standards.
5.12. Students may incorporate previous course work into their thesis or dissertation when relevant. A student who wishes to use previously submitted papers should discuss the matter
with their supervisor.
5.13. In cases of cheating, plagiarism, or any form of intellectual dishonesty during an assignment, the professor evaluates the severity of the misconduct and determines appropriate
disciplinary measures. Professors may choose to:
a. Require the student to redo the assignment with a lower grade.
b. Assign a failing grade for the assignment.
c. Assign a failing grade for the entire class.
The professor is required to inform the disciplinary committee about the incident and the decision made. A student may appeal the disciplinary decision.
Plagiarism rules for general activities
5.14. Staff and faculty engaged in general activities (administrative activities) are required to adhere to the university integrity standards and avoid all forms of plagiarism, regardless of the nature of the content.
5.15. When using templates or content drawn from other documents, staff and faculty should obtain proper permissions, give appropriate attributions, and adhere to UM6P’s policies to
avoid any misconduct.
SECTION 6: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1. The university, along with heads of departments, professors, and the learning center provides support for students to better grasp the concepts of plagiarism, definition, and
implications.
6.2. The UM6P learning center is responsible for planning and organizing seminars, meetings, and training sessions on plagiarism for students.
6.3. Staff and faculty engaged in general activities, have a responsibility to uphold academic integrity, and ensure the conduct of their work as in line with the highest integrity
standards.
6.4. Staff and faculty are required to present and add this policy into the recommended documents for students across various syllabi and platforms to ensure a comprehensive
understanding of the position of the university and potential sanctions regarding plagiarism.
6.5. Students are responsible for ensuring that their work adheres to principles of integrity and best practices.
6.6. Professors are required to take all necessary actions in response to cases of plagiarism.