Skills for success
Being a good scholar is a lot of responsibility and it takes a lot of practice.
Here are five things you can do to be successful:
Read the Syllabus
Your instructor’s syllabus should include a statement about academic integrity. This includes expectations around group work, test taking, problem sets, and course materials.
Ask your instructor
If you are unsure what your instructor means in the syllabus, or in an assignment — ask them to clarify it. Your instructor wants you to be the best scholar you can be.
Manage your time
Learn how to manage your time to help complete assignments. Running out of time to complete an assignment is one of the most common reasons folks plagiarize. They think it won’t matter if they copy and paste some text or problem sets. It matters. It is unethical, and it is easy to catch.
If you need more time for an assignment, ask your professor. They expect you to communicate your needs. Letting your professor know what you need helps them improve the course.
Have a process
Have a process to keep track of the sources you use. Stay organized and save time by using a citation manager or even a Google Doc. Do what works for you, but keep in mind that it helps to have a process to keep yourself organized.
Learn how to use sources
Understand how to use sources in your academic work. Learn how to quote, paraphrase and summarize sources. Learn the mechanics of citing sources. There are a lot of different citation styles, and each discipline is different. There are citation manuals to help you. You can get help from your instructors, the Peer Research Consultants, The Writing Center, and more!
Remember, becoming a good, honest, and ethical scholar takes time and effort. Having academic integrity doesn’t happen overnight. There are many resources on campus available to help you.
