How to address a class about cheating An undergraduate course that I teach has roughly 50 first-year students, and without trying I noticed several egregious examples of cheating, both on assignments and on a recent midterm exam.  Given that the students have only very recently entered university -- they occasionally behave as if they were still in high school -- I'd like to have a discussion with them about academic integrity and cheating.  

Has anyone else here had such a conversation with a class of theirs, and would be willing to share some advice?  If the above-referenced incidents had been referred to a university committee on the matter, the students would almost certainly fail the course, or perhaps suspended.  The department, however, gives the faculty some flexibility in deciding whether to refer particular cases to this committee.
Please carefully read your school’s policies concerning academic dishonesty before you do anything.  Follow those rules carefully so that the students won’t be able to get away with their cheating on appeal.  For example, at my school you’re expected to talk directly with the student to give them a chance to defend themself before you decide on a punishment, and you’re required to submit an official report which allows the school to decide on any larger sanctions.

I’d also recommend having a third party (e.g. course coordinator, director of undergrad studies, or TA) present for the conversation.  This makes it clear that it’s serious, makes me feel safer, and prevents the student from lying about the meeting.