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
-
Managing a Heavy Reading Load
When the reading piles up, it can be hard to know where to start—or how to keep up. This workshop introduces practical strategies for prioritizing, previewing, and staying engaged with your reading without spending every waking hour on it. You’ll leave with a toolkit for reading more effectively and efficiently, developed and tested by students who’ve been there.
-
“I'm In” : Hack Your Brain by Understanding the Psychology of Time Management
If you know what to do but still can’t seem to do it, then this workshop is for you! With the Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, you’ll explore the mental habits and cognitive traps that make time management hard—and try out new strategies that can actually work with, and not against, how your brain operates.
-
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… -
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.
-
Disability & Neurodiverse Chill Time
A relaxed, judgment-free hangout space for students to socialize, decompress, and enjoy good company during the break. Come as you are and connect with the community in a low-pressure environment. -
FGLI Pre-Shopping Bagel Brunch
Join us for a community bagel brunch at 10:00-11:00 a.m. in Poorvu 120A & B. The brunch will include a discussion of the types of autumn and winter wear that would be ideal to purchase on the FGLI Fall Break Shopping Trip before the temperatures dip further. We’ll also discuss what items to look for when shopping for professional attire. -
FGLI Thrive Fall Break Shopping Trip
FGLI Thrive is hosting a shopping trip to the CT Post Mall and Savers during Fall Break! Shuttles can accommodate 45 people per shuttle and leave from Phelps Gate. Each shuttle will rotate between the CT Post Mall or Savers and back to Phelps Gate approximately every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to make the shuttle at Phelps Gate at the hr:50 mark (11:00/11:50/12:50… -
STEM Navigators: 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: T… -
Imagining Your Summer
Thinking about summer study abroad, fellowship opportunities, or professional internships–but don’t know where to start? Come to this session to hear from students who have done these things & staff whose job it is to help you get these things! You will leave this session with a clearer idea of what is possible, and a solid understanding of what resources could be available to you to make it h… -
STEM Navigators: Mythbustin' Medical School
What are the common myths and misconceptions about medical school and medical careers? Come and learn from medical students what to believe/not believe based on their own experiences! -
STEM Navigators: Mythbustin' Medical School
What are the common myths and misconceptions about medical school and medical careers? Come and learn from medical students what to believe/not believe based on their own experiences! -
Autism Discussion Group
An inclusive community for autistic students and allies to discuss experiences, share strategies for campus life, and build meaningful connections. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been part of the autism community for years, all perspectives are welcome. -
Fantastic Mentors and Where to Find Them ♀️: What Is a Mentor? Who Could Be a Mentor?
Mentorship comes in many forms—peers, faculty, grad students, alumni—and all of them can shape your Yale experience. This workshop is a conversation about how to recognize potential mentors, build meaningful connections, and make the most of the support already around you. You’ll leave with ideas, inspiration, and guidance from ASP Peer Mentors who’ve been both mentees and mentors themselves.
-
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… -
Fantastic Mentors and Where to Find Them ♀️: Cultivating Faculty Mentors
Looking for someone to guide your academic path? This workshop helps you identify potential mentors, ask for support, and build lasting connections with faculty—led by juniors and seniors who’ve done it and can tell you what actually works.
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.