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 + Meet your Mentors!
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: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors! -
FGLI Sunday Social @ The MENA Suite
Take a break, unwind, and recharge at FGLI Sunday Social! Hosted by FGLI Thrive, this weekly hangout rotates between different campus partner locations. Stop by for a chill afternoon of board games, crafts, snacks, and great company with fellow FGLI students. Whether you’re here to relax, get creative, or connect with FGLI Ambassadors, this space is all about you—building community and ta… -
First-Year Essentials 3: How to Match Your Learning Strategies to Class Format: Seminars vs Lectures
From big lectures to intimate seminars, different classes call for different skills and approaches. This workshop covers how to prepare, participate, take notes, and review effectively in these different settings—so you can feel confident and prepare to thrive, whatever the course format. -
ASP Workshop - How to Approach Reading Literature
Reading literature can feel endless—but it doesn’t have to! Learn how to read closely, manage your time, and generate ideas for papers and discussions. This session is led by ASP Peer Mentors who’ve found ways to read deeply and get it all done. -
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… -
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! -
How to Get Started on Your Post-Grad Plans (Grad Student + Undergrad)
Not sure what you want to do after Yale—or know where you’re headed but aren’t sure how to get there? This interactive workshop will help you explore your interests and priorities, learn how to connect with people who can help you explore possible paths, and start building a realistic timeline for your next steps. You’ll leave with concrete strategies, Yale resources, and at least one action yo… -
ASP Workshop - How to Optimize Your Reading
Not all reading strategies are created equal. This workshop introduces flexible, evidence-based techniques for reading more effectively across disciplines—whether you’re prepping for class, writing a paper, or studying for exams. Learn how to approach texts with purpose, not just persistence. -
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 Get the Most out of Your Language Classes
Learning a language takes daily commitment—and it’s easy to fall behind! This workshop offers peer-tested strategies for staying engaged, reviewing effectively, and building habits that support steady progress, even when the workload piles up. -
STEM Navigators: How to Prepare for the Internship Interview
Did your internship application move forward? Have an interview and not sure how to prepare for it? Join STEM Navigators for a workshop on how to prepare for internship interviews. Learn strategies so you can confidently answer common interview questions, portray your skills, and stand out! -
DPMP: Autism Discussion Group
Join us for an informal, student-led discussion on navigating Yale as an autistic student. Whether you want to join the conversation, share your experiences, or just listen in, 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. -
First-Year Essentials 3: How to Match Your Learning Strategies to Class Format: Seminars vs Lectures
From big lectures to intimate seminars, different classes call for different skills and approaches. This workshop covers how to prepare, participate, take notes, and review effectively in these different settings—so you can feel confident and prepare to thrive, whatever the course format. -
Writing Partner Ice Cream Social
You scream, I scream, we all scream for Writing Partners! Whether you’re drafting your first research paper at Yale or you’re polishing up your senior thesis, come meet the Writing Partners who would love to help you reach your writing goals this fall. If you’re already a fan of the Writing Center, use this time to catch up with your Weekly Writing Partner from last year, meet a new Writing Par…
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.