Why do I need to cite?

Broaden Horizons

Your own thinking and ideas will be enhanced when you consult the ideas of previous writers on a topic. The reader will get the sense that you’re joining the conversation, that you respect other thinkers, and that you’re adding something new to the conversation.

Demonstrate a Sense of Debate

Don’t only uses sources that support your argument. Introducing concepts from sources that show varying points of view, puts your ideas in a more interesting and contested light. In this way you show that there is something worth debating or analyzing further.

Give Credit

Just like you would want credit for your own work, writing or ideas, other writers deserve credit for their own work. Recognition is usually the only reward for scholarship. More importantly, giving credit allows your reader to recognize your contribution and ideas.

Further Research on a Topic

Your work on a topic helps further research on that subject. You do this by building and extending on the work of the writers you cite in your assignment. One person’s sources can therefore be an invaluable contribution to another’s research.

What happens if I get caught?

CSUN Faculty Policy on Academic Dishonesty

Only the professor can evaluate your performance in a course.
Your professors have been instructed to be vigilant about making sure that your work is your own.
If a student has plagiarized, your professors have the responsibility and right to take action.
Even if your professor does not request disciplinary action, he or she is encouraged to report acts of academic dishonesty to the University Administration.
Your professor has the right to seek advice from the University Administration to determine what disciplinary actions to take.
Depending upon the severity of the offense and the student’s disciplinary history, your professor may elect to exercise the following three options:

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Assign a lower or failing grade to an assignment:
- Your professor must inform you in a timely manner.
- You may appeal a grade with the Academic Grievance and Grade Appeals Board, even if your professor has not requested formal disciplinary action.

Request that the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs notify the student that information related to the student’s alleged act of academic dishonesty within that particular class has been forwarded to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
- The notification will be in the form of a letter and will serve as a warning to inform the student that the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is aware of the alleged incident and that formal disciplinary action will NOT be taken.
- The letter will also inform the student of the Student Conduct Code and of sanctions that would be imposed for violations of that code.
- The letter will also inform the student about the opportunity to meet with the Student Conduct Coordinator to discuss the matter.
- The LETTER will not be released for any purpose and will not become part of the student’s permanent record.

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Request disciplinary action against the student.
- Only the Office of the Vice President of Student Affair can formally discipline a student.
- Your professor, through the department chair and college dean, is responsible for submitting a formal written report of the incident to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and request formal disciplinary action.
- The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs has the right to investigate all instances of academic dishonesty.
- The cases are resolved either through an appropriate action accepted by the student or through a disciplinary hearing.
- The professor, department chair and college dean will be notified of the final outcome of the case.
- You may appeal a grade if the professor both imposes a grade penalty and requests formal disciplinary action, by filing an appeal with the Academic Grievance and Grade Appeals Board. This can only be done after the case has been fully adjudicated by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

For more information, please refer to Standards for Student Conduct and Faculty Policy on Academic Dishonesty.