Plagiarism is deception in the context of a performance or examination in which the student gives the impression that they have completed a performance independently and without outside help, although this is not the case. Plagiarism not only includes unmarked copying of content from sources such as the Internet or (scientific) texts, but also copying from fellow students. If it involves copying by fellow students, the person who allows the copying is also involved in the fraud. The consequences of plagiarizing exams and coursework depend on the severity and frequency of plagiarizing.

Consequences of plagiarizing and cheating when taking exams:

The examination performance is graded as “insufficient” (5.0) (grading or differentiated evaluation) or “failed” (undifferentiated evaluation).

The attempt at cheating will be reported to the examination office and noted there. Depending on the severity or frequency of the attempts at deception, the examination board can decide on further consequences. The examination board can also determine that participation in courses must be repeated in whole or in part.

In serious cases that would justify the revocation of a university degree, the examination board can determine that the entire examination has been definitively failed.

The requirement to refrain from plagiarism and deception not only applies to examinations such as theses, term papers and exams, but also to all coursework to be completed as part of the course of study. Here too, unmarked copying of content from sources such as the Internet or (scientific) texts or copying from fellow students represents an attempt at deception. If independent services such as writing texts, minutes, presentations, working on exercises (etc.) have to be provided for active participation, the independence of the service is essential.