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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FGLI Saturday Social @ The Good Life Center
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. Polaroids are available - bring your friends! Whether you’re here to relax, get creative, or connect with FGLI Ambassadors, this s… -
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: - Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks - Delicious snacks + seltzer water - 1:1 help from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (optional!) - the camaraderie…
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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! -
ASP Workshop - How to Lock In and Fight 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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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.
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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.
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ASP Workshop - How to Study on a Bus
Whether you are an athlete or an acapella aficionado, it can help to develop strategies for studying and managing your time as you travel around while navigating your academic and extracurricular commitments. Join us to talk about how to do that!
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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.
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ASP w/ Fellowships and Funding Office - Imagining Your Summer
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…
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Wait--Someone Will Pay Me to do That?!
Oh, the places you’ll go! Dr. Seuss might well have been talking about YOU if you come to this session. This workshop aims to demystify undergraduate fellowships/funding for Arts and Humanities students. You will learn from other Yale students about some of the big resources for Arts/Humanities funding, and together discuss how to find opportunities, how to talk with faculty and staff about yo…
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National FGLI Day: All-Community Celebration
Join us for food (Caterer TBA) along with desserts as we celebrate National First Gen Day! -
STEM Navigators: Study Hall
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! -
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: - Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks - Delicious snacks + seltzer water - 1:1 help from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (optional!) - the camaraderie…
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.