Merced College

The committee reviewed and approved a consent agenda covering course prerequisites, advisories, and deactivations. Discussions focused on Common Course Numbering implementation, Title-V compliance and course review tracking, and the re-election of the Curriculum Chair. Standing reports included updates on regional curriculum meetings, academic calendar planning, distance education, program review outcomes, articulation agreements for new degrees, and legislative taskforce activities. Updates were also provided on taskforce progress regarding Zero Textbook Cost initiatives, Competency-Based Education, and Credit for Prior Learning.

The committee discussed several key items related to distance education operations. Key topics included chair reports on feedback provided for the Substantive Change Form, committee membership representation on the Standing Accreditation and Assessment Committee, and the status of the Integrated DE Crosswalk Rubric. The Educational Technology Analyst provided updates on Canvas LMS features, best practices for video hosting to ensure accessibility, and future accessibility reviews. Instructional Designers shared updates on Canvas tool functionality, such as quiz moderation and discussion checkpoints. The Dean of Innovation introduced himself to the committee, and announcements were made regarding upcoming accessibility compliance workshops.

The meeting centered on updates regarding the Technology Master Plan, specifically the development of an AI-powered search assistant and accessibility training programs. The committee discussed the implementation of Nectir.AI in Canvas, the upcoming launch of Panorama to replace Ally, and the introduction of single sign-on for Colleague systems. Additional topics included the transition to Colleague self-service for requisition approvals, strategies for integrating various systems using AI tools, and the planned implementation of a new student printing system for the summer term.

Key discussions focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) administrative procedures and board policies, including definitions and ethical use of AI implementation. The current technology adoption process, utilizing a Laserfiche form for new tool submissions, requires dual approval followed by review from the OETPC for instructional suitability. A future review process mandating HECFAT and VPAT compliance for all Canvas educational software integrations was addressed, acknowledging instructor expertise limitations regarding these compliance standards. Specific platform discussions included the integration of the Nectir.AI Canvas tool and the LibreText ADAPT LTI integration, noting security concerns preventing the latter's LTI enablement. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Thorium Reader, a new library vendor reader that has been approved.

The organizational meeting involved the election of new Board Officers, naming Joe Gutierrez as Board President, Ernie Ochoa as Board Vice President, and Kory Benson as Board Clerk. During Closed Session, the Board voted to deny one liability claim and accept another. Upon resuming Public Session, the Board authorized the Superintendent/President to serve as Secretary and as the authorized representative for signatures. Board representation appointments to various College standing committees were approved. The Board also approved a Compounded Longevity Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSEA and its Chapter 274, adopted a resolution to withdraw from the Schools Excess Liability Fund (SELF) effective December 31, 2025, approved the appointment of Michelle Symes-Thiara as Senior Director of Human Resources, and approved changes to Board Policy BP 6250 regarding Budget Management. Presentations were given on the Career and Transfer Center's initiatives and the 2025 Annual Security and Crime Statistics.