2025-2026 MELA Minutes

prevent contracts from cutting off in the middle of instructional terms.

Dr. Krista LeBrun, MCCB, mentioned that getting it implemented on July 1 st would not be a problem, and changing the modification to years two and three differently from year one is feasible and has been done before (e.g., Smarter Services adjustments). She mentioned the problem that we are running into is that she doesn’t even know how many terms we have at this point. She mentioned there are approximately 15 terms per year across institutions. Which makes it difficult to find a single “perfect” date. Contracts impacting students and faculty directly should be prioritized when aligning start/end dates. She stated that changes must consider fiscal year constraints and spending authority limitations. Sole source contracts cannot exceed three years. Dates should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. She mentioned that the admin committee may review the academic calendar to identify possible “sweet spots” for alignment. Student- and faculty-facing tools should be prioritized for better timing alignment. She also mentioned that colleges could enter into a local agreement, and once she informs her, they will be pursuing the RFP route. She asked that until she has been given approval to share that information with Megan and Taku, and has received her lawyer’s language, which she will let the group know when she has done that, she will notify both vendors. Michelle Mitchell, PRCC, asked a question so that it is not tabled to Shalon. What would she like for the group to do? She asked if she wanted the admin to look at what dates would be good and recommend a good date. Shalon Farris, Holmes, mentioned that she totally agrees with Kim, that it has to be on a total based on a case-by-case basis. She mentioned that this has always been the group's focus from the beginning, students and teachers. She mentioned that dates are a be all by all means, but it’s certainly what’s best. She mentioned that this does not go well for teachers and students. Erin Richardson, MCC, asked if anyone has a plan in place for the potential, or if it has been discussed with their English division, or if individuals are using it broadly over the summer. Has anyone talked about or has a direct plan in place for the potential of having Turnitin for the first add of the summer, and not, having it?