II. Why Not to Plagiarize
A. What Can Happen if You Get Caught?

Consequences at Concordia:
In cases of suspected plagiarism at Concordia, both the determination of whether a student plagiarized, and the decision of what sanction to apply, is the responsibility of the relevant Dean. (In Arts and Sciences, the Code Administrator. Students in other colleges report to the dean designated by their college.) It is not up to the professor.

According to the Academic Code of Conduct, (articles 21 and 22), the following punishments can be applied. The Dean, or an Academic Hearing Panel, may choose to dismiss the case or:

• Reprimand the student;
• Direct that a piece of work be resubmitted;
• Direct that the examination be taken anew;
• Enter a grade reduction for the piece of work in question or enter a grade of "0' for the piece of work in question;
• Enter a grade reduction in the course or enter a failing grade for the course;
• Enter a failing grade and ineligibility for a supplemental examination or any other evaluative exercise for the course;
• Impose the obligation to take and pass courses of up to twenty-four (24) credits, as specified by the Dean, in addition to the total number of credits required for the student's program. If the student is registered as an Independent student, the sanction will be imposed only if he or she applies and is accepted into a program.

or (Academic Hearing Panel only):

• Impose a suspension for a period not to exceed six (6) academic terms. Suspensions shall entail the withdrawal of all University privileges, including the right to enter and be upon University premises;
• Expulsion from the University. Expulsion entails the permanent termination of all University privileges.

Consequences in the "real world":
The rules about plagiarism apply beyond the university. Journalists, writers, religious leaders, and politicians have all lost their jobs or suffered serious harm to their reputation and careers because they committed plagiarism. If you don't learn how to avoid it here, it can have serious consequences for your careers and your ambitions after university.