How universities and university people deal with plagiarism is articulated in universities' plagiarism policies. Universities, policies and people are all located in a bigger context, one which is being increasingly shaped by global issues. Some global issues of particular relevance to plagiarism are associated with the Internet and its attendant values and practices, Westernisation and notions of individualism versus collectivism, and contested constructions of the concept of "author". Within this dynamic milieu, individual universities attempt to formalise appropriate policy statements. The policy of one Australian university is analysed here and suggestions offered regarding possible directions for research which seeks to reconcile plagiarism policy and practice with the global tides buffeting universities and those who work in them.