If you were a student enrolled at Lincoln University (“Lincoln” or “University”) for the Spring 2020 semester, and did not withdraw by March 12, 2020, you may be eligible to receive a cash payment as part of a proposed settlement of Dixon v. Lincoln University, Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-01057 (E.D. Pa.) (the “Action”).
In this Action, Plaintiff alleged Lincoln breached a contract when it transitioned to remote learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plaintiff also alleged that Lincoln’s shift to remote learning gave rise to a claim of unjust enrichment. Plaintiff sought a refund of a portion of the tuition and mandatory fees for the Spring 2020 semester. Lincoln denies all allegations, maintains that it transitioned to remote learning to protect the health and safety of its students, faculty, and staff in compliance with mandatory governmental shutdown orders, and settled this lawsuit to avoid further litigation. There has been no finding of liability in any court. However, considering the interest of both Lincoln and its students in prompt resolution of the matter, Lincoln and Plaintiff have agreed that Lincoln will pay $169,500 into a Settlement Fund to resolve the Action.
If you were a student enrolled in at least one in-person, on-campus class at Lincoln for the Spring 2020 semester, did not withdraw by March 12, 2020, and paid, or had paid on your behalf, any amount of tuition and/or fees for the Spring 2020 Semester which has not been fully refunded, then you are part of the proposed settlement class (a “Settlement Class Member”). If you are a Settlement Class Member, you do not have to do anything to participate in and receive the benefits of the proposed Settlement.
Excluded from the Settlement are: (i) any students who received full scholarships or tuition remission from Lincoln; (ii) Lincoln and its officers, trustees and their family members; and (iii) all persons who properly execute and file a timely opt-out request to be excluded from the Settlement Class.
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. Class Members will also have the option to choose one of the following selections: (a) provide an updated address for sending a check by clicking here; or (b) elect to receive the Settlement Benefit by Venmo or PayPal instead of a paper check by clicking here. This action must be taken no later than forty-five (45) days after the Effective Date, as defined in the proposed Settlement. That date will also be posted on this website when it is known, but it will be some time after the Final Approval Hearing, currently scheduled for September 15, 2025.
By participating in the proposed Settlement, you release your right to bring any claim covered by the proposed Settlement, including bringing any claim related to Lincoln’s transition to remote learning in the Spring 2020 semester, or joining any other action against Lincoln related to Lincoln’s transition to remote learning in the Spring 2020 semester.
If you do not want to participate in this proposed Settlement— meaning you do not want to receive the Settlement Benefit, and you do not want to be bound by any judgment entered in this case—you may exclude yourself by mailing a signed opt-out request to the Settlement Administrator, which must be postmarked no later than August 10, 2025. Be aware that the statute of limitations may impact your ability to file a claim. If you instead want to object to this proposed Settlement because you think it is not fair, adequate, or reasonable, you may submit an objection, which also must be postmarked no later than August 10, 2025. Please follow the detailed instructions outlined in the Long Form Notice and the Settlement Agreement, to properly opt-out from, or object to, the proposed Settlement.
The Court has preliminarily approved the proposed Settlement, but the distribution of payments will occur only if the Court grants final approval of the proposed Settlement. The Final Approval Hearing in this case is scheduled for September 15, 2025. At that hearing, the Court will consider whether to grant final approval of the proposed Settlement, and whether to approve payment from the Settlement Fund of: (1) an award to the Settlement Class Representative for her service in this litigation; and (2) Class Counsel’s requested attorneys’ fees, which will not exceed thirty-three and one-third percent of the Settlement Fund and will be posted on this website after July 25, 2025, and reimbursement for litigation costs.
You are encouraged to review the Long Form Notice.If you have any questions, you can contact the Settlement Administrator or Class Counsel.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT OR LINCOLN UNIVERSITY CONCERNING THIS NOTICE OR THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT.