When it comes to academic dishonesty, plagiarism is the “big one,” said English professor Robert Self.

And it is a big one because it is getting increasingly easier to plagiarize with the addition of numerous Web sites that are devoted to providing students with papers and information. Of course, it also is increasingly tempting to go to the library or stop by a bookstore and pick up a book, with which a person can use to copy his or her essay.

But the fact remains that not only is plagiarism a form of cheating, but it is ethically wrong as well. It is a breach of student/teacher trust, and it is good that NIU frowns heavily on anyone practicing this academic shortcut.

What many students don’t realize, however, is how costly plagiarism is. According to the NIU Undergraduate Catalog, anyone guilty of or assisting others in plagiarism may receive an F on their assignment, suspension or dismissal from the university.

So, is plagiarism even worth its risk? No way.

Many professors give the plagiarism speech on the first day of class, and some even include it on their syllabus, and students continue to chance the system.

Need we forget the law of averages?

Yes, we can acknowledge that professors can’t catch everyone, but as it gets easier to plagiarize with the aid of the Internet, it gets easier to catch those trying to plagiarize with the aid of the Internet.

It is easy to avoid plagiarizing, and it is easy to avoid having to borrow your friend’s paper from last year. As long as facts are attributed, there is no case for plagiarism and students are in the clear.

And at the same time, professors shouldn’t look for plagiarism when it is not there because if someone truly is plagiarizing, it will show.

This must be a cooperative effort between professors and students, and if it is successful, the educational system will be better for it.