Plagiarism Growing Concern With Central Minnesota International Students [AUDIO]

ST. JOSEPH - More international students are coming to Central Minnesota colleges and universities and some are unfamiliar with academic standards and plagiarism.

Saint John's University and College of Saint Benedict international student advisor Lisa Scott says there's been an increase in international students in the last five years.

Scott says these students sometimes start school without an understanding of plagiarism.

There are thousands of international students in Central Minnesota colleges and universities. Sometimes an international student will mistake cheating with sharing. The students may also struggle with cultural barriers and working in small groups.

Scott says that if a student is caught plagiarising, it's up to their professor to decide if disciplinary action is necessary. Minor or first-time violations may not be reported if they feel the student won't violate academic policy again.

To combat the issue, both schools give an academic policy class to first year international students. The class addresses academic policy and cultural differences that students may face.