MELA Minutes 2024-2025

BrainFuse and the Smart Services contract. She also explained the challenges of aligning contract expiration dates with the academic and financial calendar to avoid conflicts. 2. Dr. Lebrun provided insights into vendor selection using a scoring rubric based on technical capabilities, cost, and the vendor’s ability to meet the institution’s needs. She emphasized how quantifiable data helps support decision-making, particularly when selecting vendors for services like plagiarism detection. Dr. Lebrun discussed the accessibility solutions and potential legal risks associated with non-compliance in accessibility. She outlined the need for a numerical scoring system to help evaluate vendors based on their ability to meet accessibility requirements and encouraged ongoing evaluations and adjustments to the procurement rubrics to make them more effective in justifying purchases for accessible services. 1. Dr. Lebrun presented the Impact Report for fiscal year 2024 and discussed the association’s historical data and future projections. The budget discussion with Kell Smith Executive Director (MCCB) and Dr. Mary Graham President (MGCCC) highlighted concerns regarding past funding cuts and how those were managed. The conversation also turned to the usage of online student services and how to measure their impact. During the review of the 2024 budget Dr. Graham suggested Dr. Lebrun exam the last 10-year enrollment to verify the need for the services of the consortium. a. Dr. Lebrun shared data on the shift in enrollment modalities (traditional vs. non-traditional) during the last 10 years. There’s been an increase in hybrid and online courses since COVID-19, with hybrid courses staying solid post-pandemic and the increasing proportion of non-traditional students in the system. 2. In addition, to the discussion of the budget for fiscal year 2024, included cost savings from procurements and contract renewals. She mentioned the Canvas contract and the 58% cost savings achieved by procuring services through a consortium. She also informed the group the upcoming contracts expiring in 2026 (Inspire Edu and Brain Fuse) will need to be reviewed, with a focus on

ii. Annual Report