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… -
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.
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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. -
Exam Study Strategies for Social Science Classes
Preparing for exams in social science courses can be tricky: the material is broad, and the expectations aren’t always clear. Learn how to organize your thinking, review strategically, and walk into your exams with confidence. -
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. -
Exam Study Strategies for Social Science Classes
Preparing for exams in social science courses can be tricky: the material is broad, and the expectations aren’t always clear. Learn how to organize your thinking, review strategically, and walk into your exams with confidence. -
ENGL 1014 Writing Lab
Join us for dedicated writing time as you work toward your final English 1014 papers. We’ll have snacks to fuel your work and Writing Partners who can help you brainstorm if you’re feeling stuck or need help getting started. Writing Partners can also offer feedback on your current draft and serve as a second set of eyes as you polish your work. English 1014 instructors will be on hand, too. Com… -
STEM Navigators: Monthly Study Break- Cake and Castle in the Sky
Please take a break from the hustle and bustle of studying for final exams and finishing up final assignments and join STEM Navigators for our monthly study break! We’ll have cake and watch Castle in the Sky! -
STEM Navigators: Study Hall - Reading Period Edition
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: Tu… -
STEM Navigators: Study Hall - Reading Period Edition
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: Tu… -
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: Tu… -
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. -
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…
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.