“(A loud belch) We belch, we write papers, we drink too much. So leave a message on what you need, when you need it by and any other important information. You’ll get a standard grade for those of you who care. It’s three bucks a page plus research and typing and other way cool stuff, so leave a message.”

Anyone who saw the fliers posted in NIU buildings advertising a term paper writing service and dialed the number would have heard the message detailed above.

“There are several bulletin boards around campus that don’t require a University Programming and Activities (UP&A) approval stamp,” said UP&A Secretary Paula Leifheit. Most postings require a UP&A approval stamp, but ads like a paper writing service are allowed on these special boards, she said.

But anyone who called and used the service or performed the service would be in trouble with the university and the state of Illinois.

“Some students believe since they see it up on the bulletin boards, it must be a legitimate service, but it’s a violation of the university rules and regulation,” said NIU Judicial Director Larry Bolles.

Bolles cited the NIU academic misconduct code which is defined as “receipt or transmission of unauthorized aid on assignments or examinations, plagiarism, unauthorized use of examination material or other forms of dishonesty in academic matters.”

“The selling and buying of papers to turn in for a grade falls under plagiarism,” Bolles said. “Students who bought and turned in the papers for a grade face a suspension from the university as well as a failing grade in the class,” he said.

“If it’s a student who is selling the service, they will face expulsion from the university,” Bolles said.

He said such services show up around finals time every semester and professors are on the “look out” for ads in buildings and plagiarized papers turned into them.

“These services target new students, such as freshmen and students who find themselves in a crunch at final time,” he said. “Students should be warned to avoid these types of services because it will cause nothing but trouble for them.”

NIU Legal Counsel George Shur said plagiarism is the most serious academic offense. “Students who commit this act are committing academic suicide,” he said.

“Not only is it an offense in the eyes of the university, it’s against Illinois state law,” Shur said.

Shur said under the Academic Plagiarism Act of 1972, the

county’s state’s attorney can take action if approached by the university.

“The nature of the plagiarism and its severity establish the level of action taken against a person,” he said.

“The state’s attorney can stop the sale, advertisement or offer of any plagiarized material by obtaining a court order,” said Michael Coghlan, DeKalb County State’s Attorney.

“Under the Academic Plagiarism Act, there are no criminal sanctions, but monetary damages can be available to anyone deemed harmed by the plagiarism,” he said.

However, Coghlan said if the person or persons who have plagiarized go against the initial court order to stop, they may be prosecuted for contempt of court. “They would face either a monetary fine, jail sentence or a combination of these two,” he said.