Introduction

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that undermines the integrity of education and research. Open International College of Naturopathic Medicine is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. This Plagiarism Policy outlines our approach to preventing, detecting, and addressing plagiarism.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the act of using someone else's work, ideas, words, or intellectual property without proper acknowledgment or attribution, presenting it as one's own. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, copying and pasting text, paraphrasing without citation, submitting another person's work, and not properly citing sources.

Educational and Preventive Measures

At OICNM, we emphasize the importance of academic honesty through:

• Inclusion of plagiarism awareness in orientation sessions for new students.

• Incorporating instruction on proper citation and referencing in relevant courses.

• Offering workshops on research and academic writing skills.

• Encouraging open dialogue on academic integrity among students and faculty.

Detection and Tools

We employ various tools and methods to detect plagiarism, including:

• Turnitin and other plagiarism detection software for written assignments.

• Manual review of assignments by faculty members.

• Cross-referencing against online sources and databases.

Consequences of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is considered a breach of academic integrity at OICNM and can lead to the following consequences:

1. Reduced or failing grade for the assignment.

2. Disciplinary action, including academic probation or suspension.

3. Repeated offenses may lead to dismissal from the College.

Reporting and Investigation

If plagiarism is suspected, faculty members or administrators will:

• Document evidence of the plagiarism.

• Discuss the issue with the student involved.

• If necessary, escalate the issue to the appropriate academic authority for further investigation.

Citation and Referencing

To avoid plagiarism, students are required to:

• Properly cite all sources used in assignments, including text, images, data, and ideas.

• Follow the citation style specified in the course guidelines such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.

• Seek guidance from faculty or academic support services if uncertain about proper citation practices.

Respecting Copyright

Students should be aware of copyright laws and obtain permission to use copyrighted material. Using copyrighted material without permission or proper attribution is a violation of both academic integrity and legal standards.

Appeals Process

Students have the right to appeals decisions related to plagiarism allegations. The appeals process is outlined in our academic appeals policy below:

1. Informal Resolution

Before initiating a formal appeal, students are encouraged to communicate with the relevant faculty member, administrator, or department involved to seek a resolution. Many issues can be resolved through open dialogue and understanding.

2. Formal Appeal

If an issue cannot be resolved informally, you can initiate a formal appeal by following these steps:

Step 1: Appeal Submission

• The student must submit a written appeal to the relevant authority within 7 days of the incident or decision being appealed.

• The appeal should include the student's name, student ID, a clear description of the issue, the decision being appealed, and the desired outcome.

Step 2: Review by Appropriate Authority

• The appeal will be reviewed by the appropriate authority, which may vary depending on the nature of the appeal. It could be faculty, department, or academic affairs office.

• The reviewing authority will examine the evidence provided by the student and any relevant documentation.

Step 3: Hearing or Meeting

• If deemed necessary, the student may be invited to a hearing or meeting to present their case and provide additional information.

• During the hearing, the student may be accompanied by a support person, such as a fellow student, faculty member, or family member.

Step 4: Decision

• After the review and any hearing, the reviewing authority will decide based on the information presented.

• The decision will be communicated in writing to the student within 7 days of the hearing or meeting.

Step 5: Appeal Outcome

The decision may result in:

• Upholding the original decision.

• Amending the original decision.

• Overturning the original decision.

The decision reached by the reviewing authority is final and binding.

3. Further Appeals

If a student remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the formal appeal, they may have the option to escalate the appeal to a higher authority within OICNM, such as the dean or a designated appeals committee.

4. External Review

If all internal avenues have been exhausted and the student remains dissatisfied, they may choose to seek an external review through relevant educational or regulatory bodies. This option may be subject to applicable laws and regulations.

5. Confidentiality

All matters related to the appeals process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and information will be shared only with individuals directly involved in the process.

Governing Law

This Plagiarism Policy is governed by the laws with which OICNM is established.

By enrolling at Open International College of Naturopathic Medicine, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Plagiarism Policy. We are committed to maintaining a culture of academic honesty and integrity and will take appropriate action to address any violations.