No matter what you do or what you say to your class, you probably will not be able to stop all cheating or plagiarism. Just for a further reality check, it’s important to recognize that people even plagiarize in dissertations and other graduate work (Chicago State, Chronicle of Higher Ed Article). This is to say …

I hesitate to say that this is the most useful session we will have, because I think they are all useful, but the syllabus is arguably the most important document you’ll create for your class. Sure, a final exam, or writing prompt will test what your students have learned, but the syllabus gives the guidelines …