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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Finding Your Voice: Strategies for Speaking Up in Class (Micro-Workshop)
Speaking in class doesn’t have to mean having all the answers! In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn how to prepare yourself to speak up in class, and practice strategies for contributing meaningfully to discussion. Afterward, stay as long as you like to reflect or prep, with support from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors.
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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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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… -
National FGLI Week: Buttery Buyout @ Silliman
Celebrate National FGLI Week with free food at the buttery! Limited to first 50 students (first-come, first-served.) -
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.
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FGLI in the Arts: Find Your Path
Join us for an informal panel discussion on navigating the arts at Yale and the professional world. -
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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National FGLI Week: Buttery Buyout @ Hopper
Celebrate National FGLI Week with free food at the buttery! Limited to first 50 students (first-come, first-served.) -
STEM Navigators: How to Join a Lab, Part 2: Write Your CV and Emails
“This workshop is part 2 of the 3-session series, Let’s Join a Lab! Are you struggling to write out cold emails to labs that your interested in? Do you not have a CV to attach to these emails? Come to this workshop where we’ll go over the process together - just bring your research interests and your laptops!” -
Chronic Illness Discussion Group
A supportive space for students navigating chronic health conditions to share experiences, coping strategies, and resources. Connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of managing health while pursuing your Yale education. -
FGLI in the Arts: Find Your Path
Join us for an informal panel discussion on navigating the arts at Yale and the professional world. -
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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ADHD Discussion Group
Connect with fellow Yalies who have ADHD to share study tips, time management strategies, and support each other through the unique challenges of college life. Discover resources and build a community that understands your experience. -
STEM Navigators: Mythbustin' Grad School
What are the common myths and misconceptions about applying to and attending PhD programs? Come and learn from current Yale PhD students what to believe/not believe based on their own experiences! -
STEM Navigators: Mythbustin' Grad School
What are the common myths and misconceptions about applying to and attending PhD programs? Come and learn from current Yale PhD students what to believe/not believe based on their own experiences!
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.