I consider cheating to be a form of cancer of the academic process. I will prosecute cheaters pursuant to university policy. However, if I 'm honest with myself, my role in this process is very limited. So, my role in helping you is largely out of my control - although I try to give you my best in the classroom, the effective amount of support that each of you will get form me depends directly on your own investment of time and effort. It's one of life's little ironies - focus primarily on the grade you will get and you often don't learn much, but focus on learning and the grade usually takes care of itself.
Students often view each other as competitors for good grades.
I strongly believe that there is no reason for doing so. Students enrolled in this class should view themselves as members of a team that is working toward the same goal and should collaborate rather than compete. It's encouraged to discuss the material with each other. Do as much as you can alone to develop independent thinking, but don't hesitate to ask questions of your classmates. So, if you all learn a lot, you all can end up with excellent grades.