An instructor who detects or suspects plagiarism in course work must notify, in writing, as soon as possible,

1. the student (who should be invited to meet the instructor),
2. the student's academic supervisor, and
3. the graduate advisor (or department head) in the student's graduate program.

If, after giving the student an opportunity to respond to the allegations of plagiarism, the instructor is satisfied that the student has committed academic misconduct, the instructor may make an academic response to the student's offence.

For plagiarism in a course assignment or examination, the instructor may, for example, require the student to re-do the assignment, or assign a mark of zero to the offending paper or examination. However, an instructor cannot give the student a zero on the entire course unless the plagiarism occurs in an assignment or examination that is worth 100% of the final grade. Also, the instructor cannot “discipline” the student with a suspension or expulsion from the university. Only the President has the authority to discipline students.

The instructor should consult and inform the graduate advisor (or department head) and student supervisor about the instructor's response, and the matter must be reported to the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Next: Plagiarism in Theses and Dissertations