Action: GSS discussed punishment for academic dishonesty. Students who allow other students to borrow and copy their notes are considered to be “facilitating dishonesty” and if the incident occurs outside of class, the minimum punishment is suspension.

A member of the Academic Honesty Committee at the meeting said this punishment seemed too harsh. Other students were in general agreement, saying that they either encouraged or had been encouraged to borrow notes from others. A change of the rules could only come from the Faculty Senate.

What this means to you: As current rules stand, students are not allowed to share notes or other papers with other students.

Action: Jeff Nelson, the director of the University Bookstore, spoke about scholarships for graduate programs. Each graduate program can submit one form per semester. Nelson hopes more programs take advantage of this opportunity.

“The problem is each semester funds are left on the table,” he said.

What this means to you: The scholarship would be used to support graduate research and professional development activities.

Action: An announcement was made that the Statistical Consulting Center will be closing after this semester, either in May or July.

What this means to you: The use of statistical computer programs and planning of experiments involving statistics will no longer be available.

Action: A vote was held to elect a new treasurer.

What this means to you: Lisa Scott was elected by unanimous consent.

Action: Two minutes of silence were observed to remember two international graduate students who died coming back from Chicago.

What this means to you: A memorial service will be held on Feb. 16 in the ballroom at the Union.