2025-2026 MELA Minutes

• Copyleaks is receiving positive feedback on support. xi. Copyleaks Trail • Copyleaks has agreed to a trial period, potentially longer than three weeks if not all institutions participate. • Dr. Wilhite will help coordinate the trials and gather feedback. • The goal is to get actionable feedback to inform the decision making process. xii. Turnitin Contract and Alternative Options • A decision needs to be made on how to proceed, including the possibility of continuing with Turnitin. • There needs to be a stopping point for Turnitin negotiations to avoid delaying other options. • Concerns exist about the timeline for an RFP if an agreement with Turnitin cannot be reached. • If no agreement is reached, institutions may need to enter into independent agreements. xiii. RFP Timeline and Potential Service Gap • Michelle Walker (ITS) believes a decision by March could lead to a solution by August. • The current Turnitin contract expires on June 30th. • Starting an RFP triggers a "silent period" where negotiations with Turnitin are restricted. • A potential gap in service exists if the Turnitin contract ends and a new solution is not yet in place. xiv. Trail Participation and Decision Deadline • There is a strong desire for a trial period before making a decision. • Dr. Wilhite will coordinate trial participation. • Dr. LeBrun will contact ITS to determine the hard deadline for a decision. • An emergency meeting may be needed if the deadline is imminent. xv. RFP Process and Turnitin Negotiations • Dr. LeBron will clarify whether starting the RFP process ends negotiations with Turnitin.