During the past year, plagiarism has turned into a major issue, not just at C-L, but schools nationwide. What is plagiarism? When a student feels like they are unsure of how to complete the research process, or if they are just lazy, then they are willing to take others’ work and label it their own. Keep in mind that whenever one is writing a paper, they are allowed taking words out of the text, as long as they source it. The Purdue Owl site and Citation Machine are both excellent guides for completing a paper. However, many English instructors are feeling a sense of frustration due to the recent epidemic. Students MUST realize that they need to put the context in their own words, unless they are stated in a direct quote from the particular source. Mrs. Neiswonger, an instructor in the English department, is also feeling somewhat annoyed with all the recent cases. “Students feel that they don’t have time, so they feel that this is an easy answer. Students think that they really will fool us. If they see something that sounds really good, they think ‘Wow! That is what I have to give her’, when in reality we have far more respect for something that struggles than something that isn’t their own work.” Plagiarism displays a lack of originality and if it is applied to one’s transcripts, it can determine what job or college they are accepted to. Once we get into college, professors will not be lenient at all, therefore we must do what we can to fight the habit now. Clarion-Limestone School District has strict policy in regards to plagiarism. On the first offense, the particular student receives a “0” for the work, the parents are contacted by the teacher, and the student will also receive two detentions. Still feel like taking the easy way out? If one does so, there will be a required parental conference as well as a failing grade for the nine week grading period, and an additional three days of detention. This information is all stated in the C-L Handbook if anyone has any questions or concerns. The teachers in the English department will be glad to aid with any problems each student may have, to prevent the consequences of the wrongful act.