Lebanon Valley College $575,000 Tuition Settlement

If you were a student enrolled at Lebanon Valley College (LVC) during the Spring 2020 semester and paid tuition and/or fees for in-person classes that were moved online, you may be eligible to claim a portion of a $575,000 class action settlement.

Lebanon Valley College has agreed to pay $575,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged breach of contract and unjust enrichment due to the transition to remote learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can I Claim an Award?

If you were a student enrolled at LVC during the Spring 2020 semester and your payment obligation of tuition and/or fees to attend at least one in-person class was satisfied, then you potentially qualify as a Settlement Class Member. This means you are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement fund allocated to class members.

The official settlement website indicates that the eligibility criteria are straightforward. If you were enrolled in at least one in-person class during the Spring 2020 semester and paid the associated tuition and/or fees, you are included in the settlement class. This applies regardless of whether you completed the semester or withdrew partway through.

What Award Can I Claim?

The settlement fund of $575,000 will be distributed among the Settlement Class Members after deducting administrative expenses, attorneys' fees, and the award to the Settlement Class Representative. The remaining amount, known as the Net Settlement Fund, will be divided equally among all eligible class members.

Class Counsel will request attorneys' fees of not more than thirty-three and one-third percent of the Settlement Fund, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Settlement Class Representative, Dominic Alunni, will also receive an award of no more than $2,500 for his efforts in representing the class.

• Administrative expenses are projected to not exceed $50,000.
• Attorneys' fees and costs will be up to thirty-three and one-third percent of the Settlement Fund.
• The Settlement Class Representative will receive up to $2,500.

After these deductions, the Net Settlement Fund will be distributed equally among the Settlement Class Members. For example, if there are 1,000 eligible class members, each member would receive an equal share of the remaining funds.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Not applicable. Claimants do not need to proactively provide proof they are a class member. The Settlement Administrator already has the necessary information to identify eligible class members.

How to Claim Your Award

If you are a Settlement Class Member, your payment will be sent automatically by first class U.S. Mail to your last known mailing address on file with the LVC Registrar.

How do I Get Paid?

Payments will be sent automatically by first class U.S. Mail to your last known mailing address on file with the LVC Registrar. Alternatively, you can choose to receive your payment via Venmo or PayPal by updating your preferences on the settlement website.

$575,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $575,000. This amount will be used to cover various expenses and payments:

• Administrative expenses: Up to $50,000
• Attorneys' fees: Up to thirty-three and one-third percent of the Settlement Fund
• Settlement Class Representative award: Up to $2,500
• Net Settlement Fund: The remaining amount will be distributed equally among eligible class members

Important Dates

• Exclusion Deadline: August 29, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: October 8, 2024

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid within sixty days after the proposed settlement becomes final, which will be some time after the Final Approval Hearing on October 8, 2024.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

This class action settlement addresses claims that Lebanon Valley College breached a contract and was unjustly enriched when it transitioned to remote learning during the Spring 2020 semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The settlement aims to resolve these claims without further litigation.

What Happens Next?

The next steps involve the Final Approval Hearing on October 8, 2024. If the court approves the settlement, payments will be distributed to eligible class members within sixty days after the settlement becomes final.