Plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work (Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 2nd ed.).
When doing research, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the expertise and authority of sources. Many students accidentally plagiarize because they cannot find a way to get their points of view into the essay they are trying to write. The links to the right are intended to inform you about, and help you to follow standard practices.
Penalties for plagiarism may vary but you can expect two things for certain: 1) All instructors will have them, and 2) They will be severe. Know what each instructor expects of you as a student writer. Stay away from trouble. Don't plagiarize! And don't forget:
Ichabods Have Integrity
WU's Academic Impropriety Policy as taken from the Faculty Handbook (10th ed.) contains more than plagiarism expectations.
There are many sites which help students with plagiarism. The sites below are examples of what three libraries have done.