Plagiarism Warning

Regulation 6 of the University's Regulations Governing Conduct at Examinations (39/507 re-amended) states: "A candidate shall not engage in plagiarism nor employ nor seek to employ any other unfair means at an examination or in any other form of work submitted for assessment as part of a University examination. Plagiarism is defined as the unacknowledged use, as one's own, of work of another person, whether or not such work has been published."

Plagiarism is a very serious offence. There are clear university guidelines at http://www.hku.hk/plagiarism/ and in the booklet, "Plagiarism and How to Avoid It: A Guide for M.Phil and Ph.D students", which can be downloaded from the Graduate School website. Students should read these guidelines carefully and revisit them from time to time, especially before submitting an assignment. Ignorance about the nature and definition of plagiarism is never an excuse and will not be accepted.

There are severe penalties for plagiarism in the School of English. Students found plagiarizing may be failed not only in the plagiarized oral or written assignment but in the course. Their case will also be considered by a School panel which may decide on further penalties depending on the gravity of the offence. This may involve disclosure of the plagiarism committed to teachers of other courses within the School.

The panel may also decide to lodge a complaint with the university's Disciplinary Committee which can result in other penalties.