In my department there is an unwritten code of conduct among graduate students. Basically, it boils down to this: thou shalt not dick over a fellow graduate student.
Still, I was surprised by the reaction of some to the Q&A portion of my thesis defense. Two of my coworkers asked two or three questions apiece. Some were a bit tricky, but I handled them fine (and was kinda glad to be challenged).
Afterward, everyone came up to give their obligatory congratulations. A few of my friends mentioned that they were surprised by the numbers of questions from fellow grad students, but I brushed it off. That is, until N.A. brought it up later. "I couldn't believe the questions that Coworker was asking! Doesn't he know that he isn't supposed to do that!"
I was very taken aback. I thought to what I would have done. I've attended dozens of seminars during my time at LargeU. Of the ones that were student seminars, I've occasionally asked questions. I never felt like I was breaking the code, since I was always genuinely interested in what I was asking.
So where do you weigh in? To ask questions, or not to ask questions? Is there an unwritten code of conduct for grad students at your school? What about amongst postdocs and faculty?
