Turnitin is plagiarism detection software that faculty may wish to consider using when choosing among the range of options available to address the challenge of academic integrity in the classroom. It should not be used as a replacement for instruction and discussion on proper research and writing methodologies. Instructors considering using Turnitin should bear in mind that the system consistently fails to detect replicated text. In controlled tests performed at UT-Austin, Turnitin failed to recognize over 40% of submitted sources, giving "100% original" ratings to previously published material. Instructors who choose to use Turnitin to check for plagiarism should employ a secondary detection method, such as Google. Reliance on Turnitin alone makes it extremely likely that at least some plagiarism will go undetected.

How to create a Turnitin Assignment in Canvas

Turnitin offers two integrations for Canvas. When creating a Turnitin assignment, faculty may choose between using the existing External LTI Tool or the new Turnitin Review (Canvas Plagiarism Framework). If you are unsure about which Turnitin Assignment type will best meet your needs, please refer to the table below:

Turnitin Comparison

For step by step instructions using the new Turnitin Review in Canvas, please visit our How to Create an Assignment Using the New Turnitin Review tutorial.

For step by step instructions using the Turnitin LTI/External tool in Canvas, please visit our How to create a Turnitin Assignment tutorial.

Resources for Faculty

The School of Undergraduate Studies and the UT Libraries both provide handouts, tutorials, alternative plagiarism-detection options, and workshops on plagiarism prevention that can help you create a comprehensive plagiarism-prevention strategy. Instructors should also review the Faculty Writing Committee Statement on Plagiarism Detection Software, including instructor best practices for the use of such software.

Turnitin Originality Reports

Note that "originality reports" produced by Turnitin are not in themselves sufficient evidence of scholastic dishonesty. Students who are accused of plagiarism on the basis of Turnitin results are legally entitled to all the rights and protections in Chapter 11 of UT Austin's Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, and instructors must follow the procedures for student discipline and conduct outlined in those rules.

More information and help interpreting the originality report can be found on Turnitin's website.

Reporting Scholastic Dishonesty

Please visit the Student Judicial Services website for more information on reporting scholastic dishonesty.

Syllabus Statement

We highly recommend that you notify students via the course syllabus if you plan to use Turnitin for some or all course assignments. Below is a sample statement.

Students should be aware that all required writing assignments may be submitted to a plagiarism-detection tool such as Turnitin.com. Turnitin is a software resource intended to address plagiarism and improper citation. The software works by cross-referencing submitted materials with an archived database of journals, essay, newspaper articles, books, and other published work. In addition, other methods may be used to determine the originality of the paper. This software is not intended to replace or substitute for the faculty member's judgement regarding detection of plagiarism.

Student Pledge

When a student attempts to submit a Turnitin enabled assignment, they will be presented with the university’s statement on plagiarism and collusion, and a checkbox to acknowledge they understand these definitions. See screenshot below for an example of the student view.