If you were a student enrolled at TJU during the Spring 2020 semester and any of your payment obligation of tuition and/or fees to attend at least one in-person class was satisfied, then you are part of the proposed settlement class (a “Settlement Class Member”) affected by this lawsuit.
The purpose of this website is to inform you of a proposed Settlement relating to a class action lawsuit brought by Plaintiff, a student at TJU during the Spring 2020 semester, against TJU, on behalf of a putative class who paid tuition and/or fees for the Spring 2020 semester. The case is captioned Vincent v. Thomas Jefferson University, Case No. 5:24-cv-1561 (E.D. Pa.) (the “Action”).
In this Action, Plaintiff alleged TJU breached a contract or was unjustly enriched when it transitioned to remote learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. TJU denies all allegations of wrongdoing and there has been no finding of liability in any court. However, considering the interest of both TJU and its students in prompt resolution of the matter, TJU and Plaintiff have agreed that TJU will pay $875,000.00 into a Settlement Fund to resolve the Action.
The terms of the agreement are set forth in the proposed Settlement that must be approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This notice includes information about the proposed Settlement, a final approval hearing scheduled by the Court, and the process for being heard by the Court.
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DO NOTHING AND AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A PAYMENT |
Your payment will be sent automatically by First-Class U.S. Mail to your last known permanent mailing address on file with the University Registrar. Settlement Class Members will also have the option, but are not required, to complete an Election Form to choose one or more of the following selections: (a) provide an updated address for sending a check; or (b) elect to receive the Settlement Benefit by Venmo or PayPal instead of a paper check. |
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EXCLUDE YOURSELF FROM THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT |
Saturday, August 16, 2025 You can choose to “opt out” of the proposed Settlement. Opting out means that you choose not to participate in the proposed Settlement. It also means that you cannot object to the proposed Settlement. If you opt out, you will not receive a payment and you will keep any individual claims you may have against TJU relating to the transition to remote learning in the Spring 2020 semester. Be aware that the statute of limitations may impact your ability to file a claim. For more detailed opt-out instructions, see FAQ 7: “What are the details and deadlines related to my options?”. |
Saturday, August 16, 2025
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OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT |
Saturday, August 16, 2025 You can file an objection with the Court explaining why you believe the Court should reject the proposed Settlement. If your objection is overruled by the Court and the proposed Settlement is approved, then you would be included in the Settlement Class. If the Court agrees with your objection, then the proposed Settlement may not be approved. If you choose to object, you may not also opt out of the proposed Settlement, as only participating Settlement Class Members may object to a proposed Settlement. For more detailed objection instructions, see FAQ 12 “How do I object to the proposed Settlement?” |
Saturday, August 16, 2025
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