As a first-generation/low-income (FGLI) student, you bring hard work, resilience, and unique lived experiences as well as the intellectual curiosity and dedication that will help you excel here at Yale. During this time, you might face unique challenges in navigating the expectations and resources. Adjusting to college life can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
Understanding the “Hidden Curriculum”
Every university has its own culture and “hidden curriculum”— unspoken rules and norms that can be difficult to figure out on your own. Some aspects of the “hidden curriculum” are embedded in the following questions that many FGLI students engage with:
- What are office hours? Why should I go to them? What should I talk about?
- What is the difference between high school math homework and college-level problem sets? Why do I need to meet with other students and faculty to complete them?
- What’s a residential college dean? What’s a FroCo? What is a college advisor? Who should I go to for what advice?
- How do I balance paid work and my studies?
- When and how should I plan for summer study abroad and internships?
The Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) will help you answer these questions and support you at Yale. Our goal is to guide you through resources and opportunities to empower you to make the most of your Yale experience.
FGLI Thrive: Workshops & Events
FGLI Thrive Events consist of experiences designed to help students take advantage of resources on campus. Workshops cover a range on topics such as leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, networking for careers, and more.
The program is managed by Josh Faires, Assistant Director for FGLI Student Success.
FGLI Thrive: Peer Mentorship
FGLI Thrive places first-year and sophomore FGLI students in small peer mentorship groups led by a junior or senior FGLI mentor. FGLI mentors share their experiences and help you develop strategies to achieve your goals at Yale. Peer mentorship groups meet regularly throughout the academic school year.
FGLI Thrive peer mentorship groups serve as a safe space for students to talk about their lived experiences, make friends, and get support while receiving information about the resources and opportunities at Yale.
OEO: Workshops & Consultations
OEO workshsops and 1-1 consultations are FGLI friendly. The majority of OEO mentors identify as FGLI and represent the full diversity of the undergraduate population. Workshops aim to demystify Yale’s “hidden curriculum” and help students navigate resources and opportunities on campus. Our workshops cover everything from talking with faculty to planning for study abroad and pre-professional opportunities.
Upcoming Events
-
Chronic Illness Discussion Group
A supportive environment to share experiences and discuss the impact of chronic illness on daily life while at Yale. -
Office of Educational Opportunity Drop-in Hours
Join us for our in-person drop-in hours where OEO mentors are available to answer questions and provide guidance on a range of topics, including: • Getting organized for your classes and making a weekly schedule • Planning ahead for job and internship applications • Thinking through summer opportunities and next steps • How to get started on work/Executive Function • Managing your time •… -
Becoming an Academic Baddie Again : Transform Your Academic Work Habits
Ready for a reset? Whether this semester feels off-track or you just want to level up, this workshop helps you reflect on what’s working, identify what’s holding you back, and experiment with new approaches to your academic work. Through guided activities and peer insight, Academic Strategies Peer Mentors help you rebuild momentum and step back into your baddie era—strategically and sustainably. -
STEM Navigators Monthly Sunday Study Break- Boba and Mario Party
Please take a break from the hustle and bustle of prepping for exams and assignments and join STEM Navigators for our monthly study break! We’ll have boba and play Super Mario Party on the Switch (we’ll also have physical board games and card games)! -
How to Lock In : Working Through Procrastination
We all procrastinate—but when it gets in the way of your goals, it’s time for a shift. In this workshop, we’ll explore what’s really driving your procrastination and share strategies to help you break out of the cycle. You’ll leave with tools to reset your habits and move forward—one doable step at a time. -
Senior Thesis Power Hours
Writing a Senior Thesis is HARD—but it’s way more fun with snacks, support, and friends who get it! Drop in anytime to this two-hour session, hosted by the Yale College Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, for: 1. Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks 2. Delicious snacks + seltzer water 3. 1:1 help from Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (option… -
Test Anxiety ➡️: Prepping for Success
If nerves tend to take over when exams approach, this workshop is for you. Together, we’ll unpack what test anxiety looks like, why it happens, and how to manage it before and during exams. You’ll leave with practical strategies for preparation, mindset shifts, and in-the-moment tools—supported by Academic Strategies Peer Mentors who know firsthand how transformative these skills can be. -
Eli Whitney Caffeinated Commons
Wrap up your week with community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme or discussion, sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome. Tuesdays, 4pm-6pm coffee provided. -
Autism Discussion Group
A supportive discussion group for sharing experiences and strategies related to autism while navigating your journey at Yale. -
Office of Educational Opportunity Drop-in Hours
Join us for our in-person drop-in hours where OEO mentors are available to answer questions and provide guidance on a range of topics, including: • Getting organized for your classes and making a weekly schedule • Planning ahead for job and internship applications • Thinking through summer opportunities and next steps • How to get started on work/Executive Function • Managing your time •… -
STEM Navigators Sunday Study Hall
Snacks? While studying and meeting peers? Come complete your p-sets, study, and meet your peers in your STEM courses. Snacks and peer mentors are here to help you with any questions about majors, summer opportunities, or classes to take in the future! Mentors will also serve as accountability buddies to make sure you stay on track during the study hall and achieve your academic goals! NOTE: Tu… -
How to Study for Exams
Studying for exams doesn’t have to mean endless stress and last-minute cramming. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare strategically for different exam types—problem-based, short answer, and essay—while building habits that reduce anxiety and boost confidence. Academic Strategies Peer Mentors share what’s worked for them and help you create a plan you can actually stick to. -
Senior Thesis Power Hours
Writing a Senior Thesis is HARD—but it’s way more fun with snacks, support, and friends who get it! Drop in anytime to this two-hour session, hosted by the Yale College Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, for: 1. Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks 2. Delicious snacks + seltzer water 3. 1:1 help from Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (option… -
STEM Navigators : Navigating Internships in CS & Engineering: Timelines, Applications, and Mentor Experiences
Join STEM Navigators for a session on planning your fall applications for summer CS and engineering internships. Our mentors will talk about general internship timelines for CS and Engineering, application processes, and will draw upon their own experiences applying to and doing internships. This event is open to all and is an excellent opportunity to prepare yourself for a successful internshi…
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.