Turnitin is a vital tool for students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), designed to uphold academic integrity by detecting potential plagiarism in submissions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to get started with Turnitin, create your user profile, and submit your work effectively.

What is Turnitin?

Turnitin is an online platform used by educational institutions worldwide to promote originality in academic work. By comparing submitted papers against a vast database of sources, including student papers, academic publications, and websites, it helps identify similarities and potential plagiarism. This is crucial for maintaining the credibility of academic institutions and the integrity of students’ work.

How to Register for Turnitin

Step 1: Create Your Account

To begin using Turnitin, follow these steps:

1. Use Your UKZN Email: Only register with your official UKZN email address to ensure your account is linked to your student profile.
2. Access the Registration Page: Navigate to the Turnitin registration page. You’ll find a “New User” option—click on it to proceed.
3. Enter Class ID and Enrollment Key: You will need a Class ID and Enrollment Key provided by your lecturer or supervisor. Ensure you have this information ready.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

After accessing the registration page, complete the online form titled “Create a New Student Profile”:

1. Confirm You’re Not a Robot: Check the box to verify your identity.
2. Agree to Terms: Click “I Agree – Create Profile” to proceed.
3. Choose Security Questions: Avoid using answers that may change over time, such as favorite songs or books.

Step 3: Enroll in Classes

If you already have an account, log in and use the “Enroll in a Class” tab to join additional classes:

1. Enter Your Class ID and Enrollment Key: Click “Submit” to complete your enrollment.

Submitting Your Work

Once your profile is set up, you can submit your assignments directly through Turnitin:

1. Log In: Access your Turnitin account.
2. Select Your Class: Click on the class you wish to submit your work to.
3. Submit Your Document: Click on the blue “Submit” button.
4. Upload Your Document: Choose your submission title and select the document from your computer. It’s advisable to submit a PDF version to avoid upload issues commonly associated with Word or Excel files.
5. Confirm Your Submission: Click “Upload,” then “Confirm.” You will receive a confirmation message indicating that your document has been successfully uploaded.

Password Recovery

For students who forget their passwords, resetting is straightforward:

1. Password Reset Link: Click on the reset link.
2. Enter Required Information: Fill in your last name and UKZN student email address.
3. Answer Secret Question: Provide the answer to your security question to proceed.
4. Set a New Password: After verifying your identity, enter and confirm your new password. If you forget your answer, you can request a reset link via email.

Important Tips for Using Turnitin

• Avoid Last-Minute Submissions: Plan ahead to allow for any necessary rewrites.
• Check Your Similarity Reports: You will receive a similarity report within five minutes for your first two submissions. Subsequent submissions will require a 24-hour wait for the report.
• Email for Queries: For any Turnitin-related questions, reach out to turnitin@ukzn.ac.za.

Conclusion

Understanding how to effectively use Turnitin at UKZN is essential for maintaining academic integrity and achieving success in your studies. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily navigate the registration and submission processes. Always remember, integrity is key in your academic journey, and Turnitin is here to help you uphold that standard.