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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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… -
DPMP Arts & Crafts Social
Unwind from academic stress while exploring your creative side! Join us for a relaxing session where you can work on various craft projects, from painting and drawing to making friendship bracelets. -
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: Starting Your STEM Resume
How do I prepare my resume as a STEM student? You’re in luck, because STEM Navigators is running this workshop to teach you exactly how you can start and perfect your resume in its beginning stages, which is important for future job searches - or for future employers to recruit YOU! Join STEM Navigators for this workshop that will give you tips on creating a strong resume. -
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.
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Exam Study Strategies for Humanities Classes
Humanities exams often ask you to synthesize big ideas under pressure. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to review texts, practice analytical writing, and approach essay exams with a clear and focused strategy—guided by mentors who’ve done it successfully.
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Strategic Planning for Your Senior Thesis
Writing a senior thesis is a marathon, not a sprint. This workshop offers strategies for building momentum, working with faculty, and managing the process from start to finish. It’s a great way to launch - or relaunch - your project, especially in tandem with the Academic Strategies Program’s Senior Thesis Power Hours.
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Let Me Cook : How to Eat While Giving a Presentation (Micro-Workshop)
Whether you’re giving a formal talk or leading class discussion, public speaking takes practice. In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn preparation and performance strategies that help you feel more in control—and more like yourself. Want to rehearse or get feedback? Stay afterward and work with ASP Peer Mentors as long as you like.
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Chat, how do I talk to my professor? ♂️
Not sure how to start an email or what to say in office hours? You’re not the only one! In this session, Academic Strategies Peer Mentors walk you through real-life strategies for reaching out to faculty and building academic relationships that matter.
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Imagining Your Summer - Eli Whitney focused.
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… -
FGLI Thrive & Harvard PRIMUS Mixer
Join our fellow FGLI folks at Harvard for a friend mixer the day before the game! We will have food, sweets, and games. Expand your FGLI community and meet new friends! -
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… -
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… -
DPMP See You Later End of Semester Hangout
Celebrate making it through another semester with your DPMP community! Join us for a casual farewell gathering before finals and winter break, complete with snacks, games, and good vibes. -
Let Me Cook : How to Eat While Giving a Presentation (Micro-Workshop)
Whether you’re giving a formal talk or leading class discussion, public speaking takes practice. In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn preparation and performance strategies that help you feel more in control—and more like yourself. Want to rehearse or get feedback? Stay afterward and work with ASP Peer Mentors as long as you like.
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.