Just as cheating and plagiarism are not allowed while studying at the School, enabling academic misconduct is also not allowed. But you may wonder what enabling is and why it’s important.
What is enabling?
Enabling is the act of giving someone the means to do something. In the School’s context, it’s providing the conditions for the School’s academic integrity policies to be violated. Plagiarism and enabling plagiarism are academic offenses that can result in penalties.
Example A
You are studying with a group and one member has forgotten to take notes of your discussion. They ask you to copy your notes and you agree. By doing this, you are enabling them to plagiarise your thoughts and both of you can be penalized.
Example B
A friend is starting a module you recently finished. Your friend was sick and unable to work on one week’s assignments. You provide your friend with copies of the assignments you submitted for that week to use as templates. By doing this, you are enabling your friend to use your thoughts and words and you could both be penalized.
When does enabling occur?
Enabling within the School usually occurs when a student or candidate shares files with others. This could be assignments (current and/or previous), notes you have made when in discussion with others, or CPA solutions that have been received after you submit your assignment.
In many cases, those who enable plagiarism are reprimanded the same as people who plagiarize.
How can you avoid enabling?
Never share your files with anyone, whether you have finished the course or module, or you are currently in it. Sharing your files in any capacity makes it easy for someone else to use them and exposes you to possible penalties. Once a file is out of your hands it could be shared multiple times and with people you don’t know. Even in these cases, you are still at risk of enabling plagiarism.
Another thing to watch for is enabling plagiarism through unauthorized access to information. Secure your files and devices to limit the risk of someone accessing your work without your permission.
It’s very easy for the School to detect plagiarism. The best way to avoid it is to keep your work to yourself.
Check out these videos on plagiarism where Rob Bruce, CPA, CA and Sam Taylor, PME, CPA, CA discuss how to ensure CPA PEP learners successfully complete their coursework without accidentally – or purposefully – committing plagiarism.
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