Policy, preparation, prevention and punishment: one faculty's holistic approach to minimising plagiarism

Most Australian universities have made attempts of various kinds to address plagiarism. Some have responded in recent times with a primary focus on catching and punishing plagiarists, often assisted by computer software packages. Others have taken a more holistic approach incorporating foci on policy, assessment regime and student preparation and education as well as on ensuring appropriate consequences for plagiarists. This paper outlines one example of the latter approach in one Australian university faculty and details the outcomes in terms of policy recommendations and resources to support the approach. The necessity of evidence-based evaluation of attempts to reduce plagiarism in higher education is argued.