Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as if it were your own. It can occur intentionally or unintentionally.
Intentional plagiarism is cheating; it’s when you deliberately copy another person’s words or ideas without acknowledgment. Examples of this include copying all or any portion of an encyclopedia entry or published essay, downloading a paper off the internet, and handing in a paper from a fraternity’s files. Keep in mind that your instructors read widely, and have a lot of experience reading student work. Believe us when we tell you that words that are not your own are easy to spot. The consequences for plagiarizing are severe (see below).
Unintentional plagiarism is by far the most common form, and usually involves improper citation of your reference sources. The best way to avoid this is to learn how to cite your sources correctly. In history classes, you will often find yourself working with the words and ideas of others. Careful note-taking and a clear understanding of the rules for quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing sources, according to a recognized manual of style, will help prevent accidental plagiarism. Proper citation tells your instructors where you got your information, and demonstrates to them that you are not trying to cheat.
If you are unsure about which citation form to use, check with your instructor.
The consequences
"An instructor who suspects a student of plagiarism or cheating must inform the student—in writing—as soon as possible after the incident has been observed or discovered. If the instructor comes to the conclusion that the student has plagiarized or cheated, he or she, in consultation with the departmental executive officer (DEO), may decide to reduce the student's grade in the course, even to assign an F. The DEO sends a written report of the case to the associate dean for academic programs; a copy is sent to the student.
The associate dean for academic programs may uphold, as the offense may warrant, the following or other penalties: disciplinary warning until graduation, suspension from the college for a calendar year or longer, or recommendation of expulsion from the University by the president."
The official University of Iowa policy is basically identical; it’s available through the Division of Student Life and the Dean of Students (DOS).