Why Cite Sources?
When you research for a paper or presentation, you combine the knowledge and ideas of others with your own analyses and conclusions. Citation allows you to differentiate between your ideas and those of the sources you use. Citing your sources not only gives proper credit to others and avoids plagiarism, but also establishes you as the creator of your original work.
Different fields of study use different citation styles. Check with your instructor if you are unsure about which citation style to use. This LibGuide provides information on how to cite your sources in the citation styles used most frequently at Southeastern.
What is Plagiarism?
According to the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Handbook:
The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase of direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes stealing and passing off the ideas and/or words of another as one's own; using a created production without crediting the source; the unacknowledged use of materials prepare by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials; and/or other violations as defined by university policies (8).
Penalties for plagiarism, even accidental plagiarism, are severe. They include receiving a lower or failing grade on an assignment, failing a class, and probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university. Don't let this happen to you! If you need help with your citations, you can work with your professors, the Writing Center, and the Library.
McGehee Hall, Room 102
301 Ned McGehee Dr
Hammond, LA 70402
Appointments can be made by calling the Writing Center at 985-549-2076
or by email at writing@southeastern.edu
Online Plagiarism Resources
Avoiding Plagiarism (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Plagiarism: What it is and how to avoid it (Indiana University Bloomington)
Preventing Plagiarism when Writing (Plagiarism.org)