I, Christine Gowen, choose not to plagiarize for the following reasons:

1. It is cheating, and cheating is dishonest. I believe that being dishonest is wrong.

2. I know what the consequences could be. When a student cheats, they can get a zero on their work or even for a whole class. When an adult plagiarizes, they can lose their reputation and their job, or even have to pay a fine.

3. I know that in order for me to learn, I have to do my own work. That means coming up with my own ideas instead of stealing those of others.

4. It can hurt others when you steal their work. Even if they give me permission, it can get them in trouble too.

Therefore, I pledge to maintain my academic integrity by doing my own work and citing any sources I choose to use.

Signed,

Christine Gowen

Date: September 5, 2001