On 5 December 2016 the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) ruled in a case of alleged plagiarism in the Economic Development course.
The AJC concluded that the student, a junior, was guilty of plagiarism, after finding that the student copied a significant amount of the paper, or inadequately attributed the sources.
As stated in Ashesi’s student handbook,
Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, unauthorized exchange of information or use of material during an examination, unauthorized transfer of information or completed work among students, use of the same paper in more than one course, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, and other unethical behavior. Disciplinary action will be taken against perpetrators of academic dishonesty. – Section 7.4.
After deliberating, the AJC arrived at the following sanction. The student:
- Will receive a failing grade for the course.
The AJC encourages the Community to consider how sloppy work, a lack of understanding of plagiarism, ethics and integrity have grave repercussions and affects the wider community. The AJC would especially like to advise the Ashesi community of the following:
- Students should take a great deal of responsibility in ensuring that work submitted is a true reflection of the student’s capacity.
- Students should learn to cite properly in all academic work.
- Students should not ‘try their luck’ with plagiarism. Plagiarism is subject to the full range of sanctions – failing a course to expulsion.
Academic honesty is very important at Ashesi and is central to our mission. We trust that the Ashesi Community will learn and grow through these experiences.
