Secretary of the Faculty & Staff
The Secretary of the Faculty and Staff (SOFAS) is a codified officer of the University (UWGB 50.03) appointed by the Chancellor with the approval of the University Committee, and responsible to the Provost in the performance of their duties. The current SOFAS is Michael L. Draney.
What does the SOFAS do?
Besides being a spider researcher, professor and Richter Museum Curator, Mike Draney fulfills the following duties as the SOFAS:
Coordinates & Assists Governance
The University has a range of committees that help ensure policies, academics and operations incorporate your perspectives. As the SOFAS, Mike helps coordinate this faculty and staff governance.
Collects Records for All Committees
If you're part of a committee that produces reports, policies, governance handbooks and curriculum actions, the SOFAS helps record, compile, publicize and preserve your documents.
Serves as a Resource Person
The SOFAS serves as a knowledgeable resource person for faculty, staff and administration regarding policies and procedures, as well as the University Ombudsperson, an impartial mediator to investigate and settle disputes.
Past SOFAS
Originally called Secretary of the Faculty, the name was changed in 1993 to reflect the shared responsibilities of Faculty and Academic Staff in campus governance and in the education of our students. In 2014, when Classified Staff were recognized as University Staff and joined in the responsibilities of shared campus governance, the position name was changed to Secretary of the Faculty and Staff. Previous holders of the Office are:
- Dr. Steven J. Meyer (2015-2023)
- Dr. Clifford F. Abbott (2006-2015)
- Dr. Kenneth J. Fleurant (2003-2006)
- Dr. Jerrold C. Rodesch (1998-2003)
- Dr. E. Michael Thron (1993-1998)
- Dr. Richard Sherrell (1985-1993)
- Dr. Elmer Havens (1979-1985)
- Dr. James Murray (1976-1979)
- Dr. Harry Guilford (1971-1976)
- Dr. Frank Byrne (1969-1971)
Founders Award
The Founders Award recognizes faculty and staff dedicated to advancing our mission. Anyone from the UW-Green Bay community can nominate someone, and nominations are open early in the spring semester.
Promotion
Learn the timeline and procedures for each promotion for faculty members.
Tenure
In your sixth year as an associate professor at UW-Green Bay, you're able to go up for tenure.
Full Professor
This is the highest rank of professor before tenure and is a level of promotion beyond Associate Professor.
Teaching Professor Series
Though we prioritize professors eligible for tenure track, there are times we need to hire lecturers and teaching professors.
Resources for Promotion
If you're preparing for promotion, be sure to consult the state rules in UWS 3 (Faculty Appointments) of the System administrative code and the Faculty Handbook (docx). Depending on your unit, you'll have different guidelines for merit and tenure. You can also get advice from individuals familiar with unit or committee cultures. If you need help in finding support, consult with the SOFAS.
More Resources
Our office is here to ensure all faculty and staff have a say in UW-Green Bay. If you need support, we're here for you.
Administrator Feedback Process
The Administrator Feedback Survey Process was implemented to ensure there's a systematic process for faculty and staff to provide feedback to our Chancellor, Provost and Deans.
Faculty Handbook
We want to ensure governance is fair and open. Part of that means rules and regulations for faculty are available, clear and interpreted consistently. Read the handbook to understand your role as a faculty member.
Curriculum Planning Procedures
If you'd like to create a new degree or modify an existing one, the curriculum guide provides a step-by-step process that must be followed to obtain approval.
