This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a Turnitin Assignment for the submission of text based assignments (i.e. PDF, Word and PowerPoint files).

Similarity Report

A Similarity Report can be produced and highlights any text in a student’s assignment that matches sources in the Turnitin database, including web content, previously submitted assignment and subscription-based journals and publications.

Multiple file submissions and group assignments

Turnitin only allows the submission of one file. Turnitin also does not allow the submission of group assignments, consider using the Blackboard Assignment tool for group assignments that do not require a Similarity Report.

In case a group assignment where the Similarity report is required one member of the group will need to submit on behalf of all group members and marks will need to be manually entered for non-submitting group members. Refer to the Assessment tools guide.

Draft submissions

UQ Assessment policy states that students must have the opportunity to submit a draft assignment to Turnitin prior to submission of the final assignment. To comply with the policy, it is recommended that the setting Generate Similarity Reports for student submission should be set to Generate reports immediately (students can resubmit until a due date): After 3 resubmissions reports generate after 24 hours. Note, with one submission link it is not technically possible to limit the students to only one draft submission.

If it is required to limit students to one draft submission only, you will need to set up two Turnitin submission links: one for the draft and one for the final submission. Note, you will need to provide clear instructions to the students as two links may cause confusion.

1. Setting up your assignment

It is recommended that all Turnitin assignment links are added within the Assessment section in the Course Menu. Best practice is to create a folder for all required assessment information. To avoid student confusion, the folder should be given exactly the same name as the assignment in the ECP. Refer the Create a Folder guide.

Tip: Add an Item inside the folder with instructions for students regarding assignment submission and links to all relevant documents such as the assignment question and marking scheme (if it is not online). For step-by-step instructions, refer the Add an Item guide. The following information should be included in the assignment instructions:

  • How the file should be named.
  • The file type/s students may submit.
  • Not to include animated text/images in PowerPoint files.
  • What to do if they have problems uploading their assignment. i.e. Email the assignment to the course coordinator, continue to try to upload the assignment until they are successful and contact AskUs for help if needed.
  • That late assignments are allowed and that all assignments automatically have a time/date stamp of when they are submitted.
  • Include a link to the AskUs instructions on Turnitin: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment/turnitin-assignments
  • Assignment submission is a three step process and it is the responsibility of the student to check the assignment preview and confirm that the assignment has been successfully submitted. Students need to download a copy of the Submission ID as proof they have submitted the assignment.