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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Eli Whitney & Transfer Students: How to Set Up Your Google Calendar
Set up your Google Calendar to work for you! Learn how to organize your semester, streamline your schedule, and keep classes, assignments, appointments, and commitments in one easy-to-manage system. We’ll focus on using Google Calendar alongside your Yale email, so your academic life stays connected, accessible, and easier to navigate. -
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 1: How to Organize Your Time
Time management is 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—and, during the workshop, start crafting a system that works for you. -
STEM Navigators: Ice Cream Social Kickoff
Enjoy FREE Ashley’s ice cream at Cross Campus (non-dairy options available!) while you sign up for STEM Navigators, meet the mentors and your peers, and learn about the 1-1 customized mentoring as well as the fun and engaging events on how to succeed in STEM (research opportunities, class advice, etc). -
First-Year Essentials 1: How to Organize Your Time
Time management is 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—and, during the workshop, start crafting a system that works for you. -
ASP Workshop - How to Manage 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. -
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 Succeed In Intro To Computer Science ️
Are you taking CPSC 1001, 2000, 2010, or other introductory CS courses? Want to know how to do well in CS at Yale? Come hear from students who have taken & succeeded in these courses, their major, and beyond! They will share their insights on how you can tackle the courses when it comes to p-sets, exams, and more. Any and all questions regarding intro to CS are welcome! Note: This is part 1 … -
STEM Navigators: CS Peer-Networking Reception
Join us at our CS peer-networking reception to meet professors, upperclassmen, mentors, and peers involved in the CS department at Yale. This is an excellent way to meet people in your field and learn more about the major, classes, and other CS-related opportunities! Note: This is part 2 of a three-part CS workshop session. You are not required to attend all three parts! Feel free to stay or… -
ASP Workshop - How to Do Your Junior Year
As your major gets real and responsibilities start to pile up, junior year can feel intense. Come to this workshop to learn about how to find focus, make strategic choices, and get the mentorship and experiences you want—all guided by Academic Strategies Peer Mentors who’ve navigated these waters themselves! -
DPMP: Ice Cream Social
Scoop into the fall semester with the Disability Peer Mentorship group! Whether you’re looking to meet fellow students, chat with a mentor, or just indulge in a free sweet treat, come hang out with the DPMP community! -
STEM Navigators: How To Succeed In CPSC 3230 ️
Are you taking CPSC 3230: Introduction to Systems Programming and Computer Organization (formerly known as CPSC 323)? Want to know how to do well in this class? Come hear from students who have taken & succeeded in CPSC 3230! They will share their insights on how you can tackle the course when it comes to p-sets, exams, and more. Note: This is part 3 of a three-part CS workshop session. You … -
ASP Workshop - How to Do Your Sophomore Year
You made it through your first year—now it’s time to build on that foundation. This workshop helps you reflect on your goals, navigate more advanced academic expectations, and make intentional choices about your time, energy, and direction. Led by ASP Peer Mentors who know that sophomore year is when things start to click—and when it’s especially important to stay intentional. -
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. -
First-Year Essentials 1: How to Organize Your Time
Time management is 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—and, during the workshop, start crafting a system that works for you.
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.