Benefits for Graduate Students & Postdocs


JILA has two volunteer counselors who specialize in helping graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff solve scientific, administrative, or interpersonal problems that arise at JILA. The counselors are long-time JILAns committed to addressing misunderstandings and minor issues that arise in the course of Institute operation. While neither counselor has formal training, they are both committed to helping graduate students, postdocs, and staff have a positive JILA experience. Both will maintain a maximum level of confidentiality. For more information about the JILA counselors, please see photos, descriptions, and contact information below.

Students, postdocs, or staff may also contact the University of Colorado Ombuds Office for help with conflicts, complaints, or disputes. The Ombuds Office, located in 302 Willard Administrative Center, can be reached at 303-492-0577. Members of the Ombuds office are trained professionals, who operate under confidentiality guidelines that can be found on their website.

Jinx Cooper

Jinx is a long-time (1967–present) JILA Fellow who has volunteered to help graduate students and postdocs resolve scientific issues that arise during their training. Although “retired,” Jinx continues to pursue theoretical research that includes the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensation and the general area of the interaction of light with atomic systems. Jinx, whose office is S320, can be reached at 303-492-7813 or via e-mail at jinx@jila.colorado.edu.


Cheryl Glenn

Cheryl, who has been at JILA since 1978, is the Executive Assistant to the Chair of JILA. The Visiting Scientists and Postdoctoral Research Associates programs are two of her many responsibilities here at JILA. She is happy to help with administrative or other “institutional” issues. Her office is A235 (just outside the JILA Chair’s office). She can be reached at 303-492-7796 or via e-mail at glennc@jila.colorado.edu.


Graduate Student Benefits

Graduate students at JILA receive no sick leave or vacation pay as part of their stipends. Individual circumstances are addressed at the discretion of a student’s advisor.

Graduate students wanting information regarding advising, financial aid, insurance, graduate student rights and responsibilities, travel and other issues are encouraged to explore the Graduate School website. The Graduate Student Appointment Manual contains information on tuition, salary, and travel. Information regarding travel grants can be found at the CU Travel Grant Policy website.

Postdoc Beneftis

Postdoctoral Fellows receive 15 days sick leave and 22 days vacation annually. For information regarding these and other benefits, please consult the Policies and Procedures for Research Faculty Appointments.