We strongly encourage you to discuss the topics with anyone you can. That's the way good science happens. As a professional, you should acknowledge significant contributions or collaborations in your homework/projects. Keep in mind that there is a lot of difference between helping and cheating.
Also remember that the the University policy related to cheating has changed. Now if any one is found GUILTY of cheating, s/he is EXPELLED from the UNIVERSITY. i.e
IF (you have a V&E case related to cheating)
{
     IF (you.foundInnocent())
          no problem ;
     ELSE //you are found guilty
          UNIVERSITY.EXPELL(you);
}