Dr. Ernesto R. Escoto and Dr. Raúl Herrera, co-chairs of OHFS

The Organization of Hispanic Faculty and Staff (OHFS) is the organization of all Latin@ faculty and staff at The Ohio State University. Our mission is to support the success and well being of Latin@ students, faculty and staff of the university. We meet monthly to discuss issues of general concern to the membership.

Recently, in collaboration with the Hispanic Oversight Committee and the Office of the Provost, OHFS conducted a survey assessing the experiences and needs of Latin@ faculty and staff within OSU and the Columbus community at large. We learned a good deal about what we can do to improve faculty and staff recruitment and retention, which is likely to have a positive impact on the experience of our students at OSU. We are now working towards implementing the recommendations that resulted from the survey.

Apart from our support of academic and scholarly activities, we also support activities that celebrate and share our cultures with our OSU and Columbus communities. In the past, OHFS co-sponsored the national premiere of the Costa Rican film Caribe and the Ecuador Cultural Ambassadors Program, helping to bring artists, film makers, and musicians from Costa Rica and Ecuador to our campus. The organization is co-chaired by a faculty member, Dr. Raúl Herrera, and a staff member, Dr. Ernesto R. Escoto, and includes four standing subcommittees:

• Academic Matters
• Student Matters
• Faculty and Staff WellBeing
• Community Outreach

We encourage you to get involved in our activities. Visit our table during the next Fiesta in the Fall and/or obtain contact information and a schedule of our meetings. You may also contact the co-chairs for information. Students, let us know what is on your mind. We want to advocate for your success, and we want to hear from you.