Language for Course Syllabi

Discourage overcollaboration and plagiarism

Our pages on plagiarism and overcollaboration contain guidance on syllabus language relevant to these topics.

Present a clear generative AI policy

Our page on "Understanding Generative AI and College Writing" contains suggested syllabus language relevant to this topic.

Encourage your students to visit the Hixon Writing Center

When you show your students that you believe talking with skilled readers about their writing is important, they're much more likely to prioritize it. One way to begin this is with a section in your syllabus or course Canvas page about the Hixon Writing Center.

Here are shorter and longer blurbs for your use. Please feel free to adapt or edit them in any way that suits your needs:

Shorter blurb

Caltech's Hixon Writing Center offers a number of resources that you may find useful for supporting your writing in this class, including tutorial support that allows you to discuss a work-in-progress with a professional or peer tutor. You can learn more about how to get customized feedback on your work on their website: writing.caltech.edu.

Longer blurb

Caltech's Hixon Writing Center offers a number of resources that you may find useful for supporting your writing in this class. Its primary asset is a team of trained professional and undergraduate tutors who are available to read and discuss your writing and to answer specific questions you may have about academic writing. A meeting with a writing tutor is a dynamic conversation with a smart, careful reader. Writing specialists and peer tutors help you think about and implement strategies for improving your writing that will be appreciated by your intended readers. This kind of conversation is the primary way in which both novice and expert writers improve their ability to communicate in writing. You can learn more about how to get customized feedback on your work on their website: writing.caltech.edu.