Laugh at me, sniff at me, beat me. I was expelled from graduate school
for plagiarism. It was an important assignment. I used somebody else's
idea without proper citation and got caught. I DID know it is not
appropriate. But I did not know it is so terrible and people get
expelled for it and it defines one?s character as a cheater. I was
scared too much to think efficiently.

I do not think I was cheating. I assumed no cheat intent and nothing
serious. I am an international student, a very bad one, one that is a
shame. I really did not quite understand what plagiarism is. I argued
with them that I did not intent to cheat. But the arguement was judged
as an excuse and they said the argument is another evidence for me
being cheating. I followed the advices of some inexperienced people
like me that I should not admit any charge and should fight. If I did
understand the nature of disciplinary activities, I should have keep
quite and cry. But I was stupid enough to argue and got punished
harshly.

The fact was, I was supposed to write a proposal and then present it
three weeks later. I did not cite the paper in my written document,
for what ever reason. I did cite it in my slides, which were done
before the formal presentation. They questioned me about this
reference in the presentation and I told them I read this reference
and I did use their idea and I just did not pay much attention to the
citation. My point is I did not try to hide it from anyone. It was a
stupid mistake that I did not cite it properly in the written
document. But they said I purposely cite it in the slides because I am
aware of that the professors already knew I was cheating and purposely
add the reference to my slides for my own favor. Oh, I swear I am not
smart enough to do this.

No mercy, I was expelled. They kept telling me it is confidential and
will not on my transcript. But I can not hide the fact. I realized,
afterwards, that how serious plagiarism is in this country and how
serious it is being expelled from school. It is already toooooooo
late. I will feel the shame for my whole life, for both the plagiarism
issue and how stupid I was when responding to the investigation. I
really should have admit my mistake and explain the reasons instead of
stick to the claim that I did nothing wrong. I just can not forgive
myself and can not face the future.

It has been months. I am still tortured by my mistakes and the
situation I am in. I guess people read this post will be surprised how
stupid an ex graduate student can be. Is she crazy?

Is there any chance that I can reduce the penalty? Will I carry it for
my whole life? When ever I am asked ?if you have ever been suspended
or expelled?? I will to tell the fact. Then will any school or
employer accept me? Will a person have any future once conducted a
plagiarism and get expelled from graduate school? Do I have any chance
to go any further education or do anything without hiding the fact of
being expelled from graduate school? Last, how can I get out if the
feeling of being a total failure that already drove me crazy and move
on with my life?

Failodefea, 

I am sorry for the way you feel. My suggestion is - when applying for
school or employment and asked regarding this episode - is to tell the
truth: you've done it, you're full of remorse, you've learnt your
lesson.

I think it is also good that you've posted this story here, and you
might want to do it in as many places as possible. So many people
think they can get away with cheating and it isquite important that
they learn what happens next.

As an international student, were you given any kind of list of rules
and regulations when you enrolled ? It sems to me that students whose
first language is not English should be given some such help, with
their obligations spelled out very clearly.

Was your first degree in an English speaking University or overseas ?

no. my first degree was not in a English speaking school. I don't
remember clearly, but I think they did mention the policies in the
orientation. It was me did not understand or paid enough attention to.
I am "institutionlized" and just see how wrong I was.

Failodefea,
I agree entirely with politicalguru and think that by posting here,
you may be starting come to grips with your problem.  By telling about
it and expressing your feelings, you can stop their eating up your
insides  - I hope.

You might want to search G-A by typing   plagiarism  in the first box with 
all questions in the second one.  You will find many guestions and
some answers on the subject.  This is one of the best:

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=429597

Myoarin

Two characteristics of U.S. higher education is that a) we maintain a
tradition of excellence in critical thinking and original research;
and, b) we always give students a "second chance."

If you are an international student, you should visit your school?s
international student services office and consider an appeal.  You did
not specify your cultural background, but in other cultural traditions
(particularly in E. Asia) plagiarism is common in academia as students
are rarely taught how to conduct research that is reflective of their
own critical thinking.  Without proper training in critical thinking,
it is difficult for many international students to write original
papers.  In our cultural tradition, however, it is always your
responsibility to make sure the statements you make in a paper
properly give credit where it is due.

If the extent of your plagiarism is not horrendous, and your previous
educational training was largely devoid of critical research
skill-building, then you should engage in an open and honest
discussion with an interculturally competent international student
advisor about your situation.  Turn the incident into a lesson learned
and move forward.

If the extend of your plagiarism is truly malicious, then you should
look for an education elsewhere.

If you have access to a university-class library, somebody posted a
good bibliography on the issue on the Legal Writing Institute Web
site:  http://www.lwionline.org/publications/documents2004/Craig.bibliography.doc