A class action settlement (“Settlement”) has been reached in the civil lawsuit Chaisson, et al. v. University of Southern California, Case No. 20STCV27062 (“Lawsuit”). The Notice summarizes the Settlement. For the precise terms and conditions of the Settlement, please see the Settlement Agreement, available here, or by contacting Class Counsel. Please do not telephone the Court or the Court Clerk’s Office to inquire about this Settlement or the claim process.
The Lawsuit concerns charges by the University of Southern California (“USC”) to student accounts in the form of Late Registration Fees, Late Settlement Fees, and monthly Finance Charges (“Late Fees”) from July 14, 2016 to March 4, 2026 (“Class Period”). Plaintiffs in the Lawsuit allege that these Late Fees are unlawful penalties void and unenforceable under California Civil Code §1671, unlawful forfeitures under California Civil Code § 3275, and unlawful and unfair in violation of California Business & Professions Code §§ 17200, et seq. USC vigorously denies the allegations and contends the Late Fees fully comply with California law.
The Settlement may affect your legal rights whether you act or do not act. Please read the Notice carefully.
Your rights and choices if you fall within the definition of the class.
Your Rights and Choices if You Fall Within the Definition of the Class | ||
You May: | Due Date: | |
File a Claim Form | This is the only way that you may receive a Claim Payment. If you fail to file a Claim Form but do not exclude yourself from the Settlement, you will still be bound by the Settlement including the Settlement’s release of claims and may still benefit from a Late Fee Waiver and/or the Finance Charge Pause, but you will not receive a Claim Payment. | Must Be Received by June 5, 2026 (the “Claims Deadline”) |
Do Nothing | If you do nothing, you will still be bound by the Settlement including the Settlement’s release of claims and may still benefit from a Late Fee Waiver and/or the Finance Charge Pause, but you will not receive a Claim Payment. | |
Exclude Yourself | Ask to “Opt-Out” of the Settlement. If you opt out of the Settlement, you cannot get any benefits provided in the Settlement solely to Class Members, but you keep your right to sue USC regarding the claims in the lawsuit. | Must Be Received by May 4, 2026 (the “Opt-Out Deadline”) |
Object | Send a written Objection to the Court (or make one at the Fairness Hearing) about why you do not like the Settlement. Even if you object, you can still receive a Claim Payment by submitting a valid Claim Form. If you choose to object, you may not also Opt-Out of the proposed Settlement, as only participating Class Members may object to a proposed Settlement. | Written Objection Must Be Received by May 4, 2026 (the “Objection Deadline”) |
Upcoming Important Dates
Objection Deadline
5/4/2026
Opt Out Deadline
5/4/2026
Claim Deadline
6/5/2026
Final Approval Hearing
7/1/2026