Many students who attended Lehigh University during the Spring 2020 semester may be eligible for a financial refund. This opportunity comes as a result of a class action settlement regarding the transition from in-person to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you were enrolled at Lehigh during this time and paid tuition or fees, you may be entitled to a portion of the $4.5 million settlement fund. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to understand your eligibility and complete the necessary steps to receive your payment.
Understanding the Lehigh University Settlement
The settlement was reached to resolve a lawsuit titled In re Lehigh University COVID-19 Refund Litigation. The lawsuit alleged that Lehigh University breached its contracts with students by moving to online instruction while continuing to charge full tuition and fees for services that were no longer available in person.
Lehigh University has denied any wrongdoing or legal liability. However, both parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the continued costs and uncertainties of a lengthy trial. This agreement ensures that eligible students receive some compensation for the change in their educational experience.
What Is the Settlement Fund?
The university has established a $4.5 million settlement fund. This money is used to pay for administrative costs, attorney fees, and, most importantly, payments to the students who make up the “Settlement Class.”
Who Qualifies for a Payment?
To receive money from this settlement, you must fall within the definition of the Settlement Class. Generally, this includes any student who was enrolled in a Lehigh University program on the first day of the Spring 2020 semester.
The settlement applies to those who paid tuition or fees for the Spring 2020 semester that were not fully refunded. There are a few exceptions, such as individuals who have already released their claims or those who are part of the university’s legal or executive team.
Determining Your Eligibility
- Enrollment Status: You must have been enrolled in a degree-granting program at the start of the Spring 2020 term.
- Financial Contribution: You or a third party must have paid tuition or fees for the semester.
- Type of Instruction: The settlement focuses on those who were expected to receive in-person instruction that was switched to a remote format.
How to Submit Your Claim
The process for receiving your refund depends on whether you are a current or former student. In many cases, the settlement administrator has already identified eligible individuals based on university records.
If you were identified as a class member, you should have received a notice via email or traditional mail. This notice contains a unique Class Member ID, which is essential for filing your claim online or checking your status.
Steps to File Online
- Locate Your ID: Find the Class Member ID provided in your official settlement notice. If you cannot find it, you may need to contact the settlement administrator.
- Visit the Official Portal: Access the dedicated settlement website provided in your notice to fill out the digital claim form.
- Verify Your Information: Ensure your current mailing address and contact details are accurate so the payment reaches you.
- Choose Your Payment Method: Most settlements allow you to choose between a physical check or an electronic payment method like Venmo or PayPal.
- Submit the Form: Complete the submission before the established deadline to ensure your claim is processed.
What Information Do You Need?
When filling out your claim, you will need to provide basic identifying information. The goal is to match your claim with the university’s enrollment and financial records from 2020.
Be prepared to provide your full name, current address, and the email address you used while attending Lehigh. If you have changed your name since 2020, you may need to provide documentation or specify your previous name to ensure a match.
Importance of Accuracy
Providing accurate information is crucial. Errors in your address or payment details can lead to significant delays in receiving your funds. If you move after submitting your claim but before payments are distributed, you must update your address with the settlement administrator.
Estimated Payment Amounts
The amount of money each student receives is not a fixed flat fee. Instead, it is calculated using a “pro-rata” formula. This means the total amount of the settlement fund (after costs) is divided among all class members who submit a valid claim.
Several factors can influence your final payment amount:
- The Number of Valid Claims: If more people file claims, the individual payment amount may decrease.
- Tuition and Fees Paid: The calculation may take into account the specific amount of tuition or fees you paid for that semester.
- Administrative Deductions: Court-approved attorney fees and administrative costs are deducted from the $4.5 million before distribution.
While exact figures are difficult to predict until all claims are processed, similar university settlements have resulted in payments ranging from a few hundred to several hundred dollars per student.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Timing is everything when it comes to legal settlements. There are several key dates you should keep in mind to ensure you don’t lose your right to a payment.
The Claim Deadline
The most important date is the claim submission deadline. Any claims submitted after this date will generally be rejected. You should check your official notice immediately for the specific date applicable to this settlement.
The Final Approval Hearing
After the claim deadline, the court holds a Final Approval Hearing. During this hearing, the judge decides if the settlement is fair and reasonable. Payments are typically not sent out until after the court grants final approval and any potential appeals are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer?
No, you do not need to hire your own lawyer to participate in this settlement. The court has appointed “Class Counsel” to represent the interests of all students in the class. Their fees are paid out of the settlement fund, not out of your pocket.
What if I didn’t receive a notice?
If you believe you are eligible but did not receive an email or letter, you can still visit the settlement website. There is usually a process to request a Class Member ID or to submit a claim by providing proof of your enrollment during the Spring 2020 semester.
Is this payment taxable?
In many cases, settlement payments related to tuition refunds are not considered taxable income, but this can vary based on your individual tax situation. It is always best to consult with a tax professional if you have concerns about how this payment might affect your taxes.
Taking Action on Your Refund
The Lehigh University COVID-19 settlement offers a straightforward way for students to recover a portion of their Spring 2020 costs. By following the steps outlined above and keeping an eye on the deadlines, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
If you found this guide helpful, you may want to explore our other articles on navigating consumer rights and financial settlements. Staying informed is the best way to protect your interests and make the most of available resources.