Firstly, plagiarism is UNETHICAL

• It is in conflict with our values of trust and academic integrity (respecting the work of others and expecting them to respect yours).

• It is dishonest (a form of theft and cheating).

• It shows disrespect for the rights of the original author, and for the knowledge community of which both the author and the plagiarist are members.

• It may tarnish the University's reputation, and thereby diminish the value of its qualifications.

• It casts suspicion on the honest work of other students (the lecturer does not necessarily know who copied from whom).

• It wastes the valuable time of lecturers and other staff and consequently of other students.

Secondly, plagiarism is ILLEGAL

It may be regarded as a criminal offence in terms of the Copyright Act 98 of 1978. It is also regarded as misconduct in terms of the University's policy and regulations. If a student is found guilty of plagiarism

• by a Disciplinary Committee of the University, he/she may be expelled from the University.
• by a Court of Law, a fine or imprisonment may be imposed.