Some writing projects ask you to re-use existing sources and media. The resources below will introduce common terms related to intellectual property in writing, such as copyright, fair use, and plagiarism.   

Materials designed by Christopher Basgier, Tony Carter, and Amy Cicchino 

This handout introduces you to copyright, fair use, and licensing. Specifically, it explains how re-use affects you, defines key terms, responds to commonly held assumptions about copyright, answers questions, provides you with additional resources, and offers   scenarios so you can apply your knowledge 

• Introduction to Copyright and Fair Use Word Document 

• Introduction to Copyright and Fair Use PDF 

This worksheet includes three scenarios you can use to apply your knowledge of copyright and fair use. Then, sample responses can offer potential solutions you might not have considered. Use this to self-assess your knowledge or in a classroom activity 

• Fair Use and Copyright Scenarios Worksheet Word Document 

• Fair Use and Copyright Scenarios Worksheet PDF 

This handout introduces the idea of plagiarism and its various types. Further, it recommends strategies to faculty on how plagiarism can be avoided by using techniques such as timely peer review, feedback, and effective paraphrasing 

• Deterring Plagiarism Handout Word Document 

• Deterring Plagiarism Handout PDF 

This activity asks you to consider whether or not something is plagiarized 

• What Counts as Plagiarism? Word Document 

• What Counts as Plagiarism? PDF

When creating and designing your ePortfolio, you will want to respect the safety, privacy, and creative works of others. In addition to these resources, we encourage you to also visit AAEEBL’s Digital Ethics Principles for ePortfolios, which University Writing was active in creating.  

Materials designed by Toni Carter, Amy Cicchino, and Heather Stuart  

This handout walked ePortfolio creators through considerations for legal and ethical ePortfolio practices. 

• Ethical Practices Handout Word Document  

• Ethical Practices Handout PDF 

This handout introduces you to concepts like copyright and fair use. Because ePortfolios can include existing media, ePortfolio creators are at risk for copyright violation. The handout includes key terms, frequently asked questions, and some scenarios to help you apply your growing knowledge of copyright and fair use. 

• Introduction: Copyright and Fair Use Word Document 

• Introduction: Copyright and Fair Use PDF

This checklist helps you evaluate the accessibility of your ePortfolio site by reviewing your content and digital design.

• Making Your ePortfolio Accessible Checklist Word Document

• Making Your ePortfolio Accessible Checklist PDF