Forgot to attribute code and now worried a plagiarism detector might flag my submission.
Recently, I submitted a project for a class in which I used external code without properly disclosing it. The course policy explicitly permits the use of outside code as long as it is cited, and my work has already been graded and received a high mark. However, I have since realized that I failed to include the required attribution.
Two sections of my code contain logic that could potentially trigger a match in MOSS, the plagiarism detection system used by my school. Although my grade has been posted, the matter is not fully resolved. I am aware of a recent case in my department where a student’s work was flagged by MOSS after the semester concluded, resulting in a failing grade for the course. If the same were to happen to me, it could severely impact my academic record and potentially affect future graduate school applications.
This uncertainty has been causing me considerable stress since the semester ended, significantly affecting my sleep and ability to focus. The possibility of being flagged is not negligible, and knowing that an unresolved oversight could have serious long-term consequences has been deeply troubling.
I recognize that simply reassuring myself that my work is unique enough to avoid detection is not a responsible approach. I have considered emailing the course instructor to proactively disclose the omission, but I’m concerned that contacting them now might be perceived as damage control for a more serious violation, rather than a straightforward admission of a simple citation error.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to best navigate this situation.