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
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DPMP: Arts & Crafts Social
Take a break from classes and join us for a relaxed, hands-on craft session. It’s a low-key space to unwind, try out some fun projects, and hang out with fellow neurodivergent students -
STEM Navigators: Monthly Study Break - Cookies and Codenames
Take a break from studying and join STEM Navigators for our Mocktails and Mario Kart Study Break! We’ll have shirley temples, virgin margaritas, and a mini vegetarian charcuterie board for everyone to enjoy while playing Mario Kart on the Swtich (board games will also be available)! -
First-Year Essentials 4: How to Cultivate Faculty Mentors & Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Want to get to know your professor better, but not sure where to start? Need a letter of recommendation, but not sure who to ask? Join us! This workshop discusses techniques for initiating conversations with faculty, cultivating strong relationships with them, and requesting recommendations in a way that builds on those connections to help you get where you want to go. -
ASP Workshop - How to Take Notes Effectively
Not sure what’s worth writing down—or how to use your notes later? You’re not alone. This workshop breaks down different note-taking approaches and helps you find a system that actually supports your learning. With guidance from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, you’ll explore how to take notes that make studying easier, keep you focused in class, and work across different types of courses. -
Senior Thesis Power Hours (w/ How to Strategize for Your Senior Thesis)
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: - Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks - Delicious snacks + seltzer water - 1:1 help from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (optional!) - the camaraderie… -
AI in Yale College: How Students are Integrating AI Tools into Learning
Curious about specific AI tools, how they can aid your learning, or how other students are wrestling with the ethical concerns of this technology? Join a panel hosted by the Student AI Liaisons (SAIL) & the Poorvu Center North to explore how students in Yale College have integrated various AI tools into their undergraduate experience. Student Panelists: Leslie Kim, Pierson ‘27, CS + Psycho… -
First-Year Essentials 4: How to Cultivate Faculty Mentors & Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Want to get to know your professor better, but not sure where to start? Need a letter of recommendation, but not sure who to ask? Join us! This workshop discusses techniques for initiating conversations with faculty, cultivating strong relationships with them, and requesting recommendations in a way that builds on those connections to help you get where you want to go. -
ASP Workshop - How to Organize Your Time
Time management isn’t just about being busy—it’s about making time for what matters. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn strategies for balancing your coursework, extracurriculars, and life outside of Yale. With the help of ASP Peer Mentors, you’ll explore different approaches to scheduling, planning, and managing overwhelm—then start crafting a system that works for you. -
Study Abroad Fellowship Spotlight: Gilman Scholarship ✈️
Thinking about studying abroad? Want to know more about the Gilman Scholarship and how to apply? Join us in learning more and hearing about the experience from a Gilman Scholar! -
Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons
Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome. -
STEM Navigators: How to Talk to STEM Professors
Nervous about approaching your professors in your STEM classes? Want to know how to make the connections you need and get to know your professor better or learn more about their research? Come to this interactive workshop where you’ll learn to email, talk to, and meet with your STEM professors and other STEM faculty at Yale! -
DPMP: Chronic Illness Discussion Group
Join us for an informal, student-led discussion on navigating Yale while managing a Chronic Illness. Whether you want to share what’s been working for you, talk through daily hurdles, or just hang out with peers who understand, all are welcome! -
Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons
Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors - sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome. -
ASP Workshop - How to Read Analytically for Social Science Classes
Social science texts can be dense, tricky, and time-consuming. This workshop breaks down how to identify key arguments, sift through details, and come to class ready to contribute—led by students who’ve developed strategies that really work! -
First-Year Essentials 4: How to Cultivate Faculty Mentors & Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Want to get to know your professor better, but not sure where to start? Need a letter of recommendation, but not sure who to ask? Join us! This workshop discusses techniques for initiating conversations with faculty, cultivating strong relationships with them, and requesting recommendations in a way that builds on those connections to help you get where you want to go.
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.