Turnitin is a web-based academic integrity tool that compares submitted texts with a vast database of internet content, scholarly works, and student submissions. It generates a Similarity Report highlighting matched text, which needs instructor interpretation.
The Similarity Report (formerly "Originality Report") shows portions of a submitted work that match external sources. A match does not automatically imply plagiarism - context and proper citation must be checked by instructors.
Instructor License Access:
- All permanent faculty members and researchers across IUB and its affiliated institutes are eligible to get an Instructor account.
- Contractual faculty, research assistants, and teaching assistants on a semester-by-semester basis.
Student Access:
- Students do not receive individual Turnitin accounts.
- Students can access Turnitin through their course instructors, who manage assignment submissions and feedback.
- Instant feedback: Instructors (and possibly students via Draft Coach) see matches immediately
- Promotes fairness: All submissions are checked using the same criteria
- Encourages good writing habits: Highlights weak or missing citations
- Supports academic integrity: Deters improper copying and strengthens confidence in originality
Submission Rules
- Single Submission Policy: Each student is allowed one submission per assignment, unless the instructor explicitly enables multiple submissions.
- Draft Submissions: For draft reviews, both students and faculty may use Turnitin Draft Coach to provide and receive feedback prior to final submission.
Class Naming & Management
- Naming Convention: Course names and sections must be clearly labeled (e.g., ENG101_Spring2025) to ensure easy identification and organization.
- Class Cleanup: Instructors should archive or delete old classes at the end of each semester to maintain system efficiency and ensure optimal performance.
Monitoring & Reporting
- The Library monitors usage to ensure compliance with institutional license limits.
- Accounts may be temporarily suspended if excessive or non-academic usage is detected.
Responsible Use
- Turnitin is to be used exclusively for course-related submissions (e.g., term papers, theses, research reports).
- Misuse, such as uploading non-course-related documents, may result in account suspension.
Access & Setup:
Submit a request to librarian@iub.edu.bd to get a Turnitin Instructor account. Once approved, you will receive an activation invitation.
Functions & Features:
- Create classes and assignments
- Collect student submissions
- View Similarity Reports
- Provide annotated feedback using Feedback Studio
Instructional Guides:
Access Type:
Students should submit their assignments through the Turnitin portals set up by their instructors.
How to students create Turnitin account
How It Works:
- Instructor creates Turnitin assignments
- Submission link shared through LMS or email
- Students upload assignments
- Similarity reports/feedback shared (based on instructor settings)
Resources:
Students can use Turnitin Draft Coach to review and improve their work before submission. Faculty can also use Draft Coach to check student drafts and provide feedback.
Draft Coach helps you improve your writing before submitting assignments by providing instant feedback on:
- Similarity checks to avoid plagiarism
- Citation support to ensure proper referencing
- Grammar suggestions to enhance clarity and correctness
Available Platforms:
- Google Docs: Go to Extensions → Turnitin Draft Coach → Sign in with IUB email (Google Docs manual)
- Microsoft Word Online (Office 365): Open Word → Access Turnitin Draft Coach from the toolbar (Microsoft Word Online manual)
Q: Do students get individual Turnitin accounts at IUB?
A: No. Students submit assignments through instructor-created portals only.
Q: Can students use Turnitin Draft Coach outside IUB email accounts?
A: No. Only IUB Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 accounts are supported.
Q: Can I check my thesis/dissertation draft directly in Turnitin?
A: Yes, but only through your supervisor or the library. Students cannot run independent checks.
Q: How many times can a student submit the same assignment?
A: It depends on the instructor's settings. Follow your course instructions.
Q: Can students submit group assignments in Turnitin?
A: Yes. One student can submit on behalf of the group. The instructor should specify who will submit.
Q: Why doesn't my Similarity Report show immediately?
A: First submission: Usually within minutes. Resubmission: May take up to 24 hours.
Q: What is the acceptable similarity percentage in Turnitin?
A: There is no fixed percentage. Instructors interpret reports based on academic policy and context.
Q: Does Turnitin detect plagiarism from books or offline sources?
A: No. Turnitin checks only electronic sources available in its database.
Q: Why does Turnitin mark properly cited text as plagiarism?
A: Turnitin highlights text matches even if cited. Similarity ≠ plagiarism. Final interpretation is up to the instructor.
Q: How long does Turnitin keep submissions in the repository?
A: Submissions remain indefinitely unless deleted by the instructor or library staff.
Q: Does Turnitin Draft Coach store the submissions?
A: No, Turnitin Draft Coach does not submit papers to the Turnitin repository or your institution's private repository if you have one. Students are safe to use Draft Coach and not match to their own paper when they finally submit to Turnitin.
Q: Can Turnitin check non-text files like images, spreadsheets, or code?
A: Turnitin primarily checks text-based files. Non-text formats may not be fully analyzed.
Q: What are the system requirements for Turnitin?
A: To learn more, see System requirements guide.
Q: How do faculty request a Turnitin Instructor Account?
A: Send an email to librarian@iub.edu.bd with your name, designation, and department. Once approved, you'll receive an activation link.
Q: I cannot find any classes or assignments on my Turnitin Instructor Account. What should I do?
A: This may happen due to account inactivity or security lock. Email librarian@iub.edu.bd to request reactivation.
Q: I accidentally submitted a paper to the Turnitin repository. Now it shows as plagiarized. How can I fix this?
If the paper is still in your inbox: Delete it directly.
If already removed: Locate the Submission ID and email the library staff to request permanent deletion.
Q: How can I request a paper deletion?
- Log in to Turnitin and go to the assignment Inbox.
- Find your paper and select "Request Deletion."
- Provide a reason and submit the request.
- The Turnitin administrator will review and approve if appropriate.
Note: Removing a paper from the Inbox only hides it; it is not permanently deleted.
Q: What happens if an administrator approves the deletion?
A: If the deletion request is approved:
- The submission will be removed from the instructor's and student's assignment.
- All reports and any associated grading will be deleted.
- The submission will not appear as a match to any future submissions.
Q: Can the deleted submission be recovered?
A: No, deletions are permanent and cannot be recovered. If the instructor or student has access to the original file, it can be resubmitted to the assignment.
Q: What file formats does Turnitin accept?
A: Turnitin accepts the following file formats:
- Microsoft Word: .doc, .docx
- PDF: .pdf (text-based, not scanned images)
- Plain Text: .txt
- Rich Text Format: .rtf
- HTML: .htm, .html
- WordPerfect: .wpd
- PostScript: .ps, .eps
- OpenOffice: .odt
File size limit: Maximum 100 MB per file. Files must contain at least 20 words and no more than 800 pages.
For more details, see the complete file requirements guide.
Q: Can Turnitin check non-text files like images, spreadsheets, or code?
A: Turnitin primarily checks text-based files. Non-text formats may not be fully analyzed.
Q: What are the system requirements for Turnitin?
A: To learn more, see System requirements guide.
IUB library offers periodic training sessions for faculty members and researchers on Turnitin usage. Keep an eye on announcements via email or the IUB library portal.
Additional resources include:
- Md. Shahajada Masud Anowarul Haque Librarian librarian@iub.edu.bd
- Md. Mubassir Ahsan Assistant Director (LIT) mubassir@iub.edu.bd
- Md. Shahidul Islam Junior Assistant Librarian shahidul@iub.edu.bd
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