UCSC Student Strike Disruption Class Action Settlement

Settlement Status: Open
Estimated Award: $67 – $135
Claim Deadline: July 21, 2025

Overview

Undergraduate students at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) may be eligible for cash payments from a $120,000 class action settlement related to campus disruptions caused by unauthorized strikes during the Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 academic quarters.

The lawsuit alleged that the strikes resulted in canceled classes, campus closures, and restricted access to essential student services like dining facilities—violating students’ rights to services they had paid for. While The Regents of the University of California deny any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.

Who’s Eligible?

You are part of the settlement class if:

  • You were an undergraduate student enrolled at UCSC;
  • You paid or were obligated to pay tuition, room and board, and/or educational service fees for Fall 2019 and/or Winter 2020;
  • You were enrolled in at least one in-person course prior to March 10, 2020.

Approximately 17,780 students meet these criteria.

Settlement Benefits

  • Cash Payment:
    Eligible class members will receive a pro rata (equal share) cash payment from the $120,000 fund. The exact payment amount will depend on how many valid claims are submitted but is estimated to range between $67 and $135 per student.

How to File a Claim

  • Deadline to File: July 21, 2025
  • Claim Submission Options:
    • Online: Visit the settlement website and submit your claim using the Unique ID and PIN from your settlement notice.
    • By Mail: Print and complete the PDF claim form and mail it to: Chandler v. The Regents of the University of California
      c/o Settlement Administrator
      P.O. Box 25226
      Santa Ana, CA 92799

Student ID Requirement:
You will be asked to provide your 7-digit UCSC Student Identification Number, if available.

How Will I Get Paid?

Class members with approved claims will receive a check by mail at the address provided on their claim form.

Settlement Fund Allocation

The $120,000 fund is solely for class member payouts. All other costs are covered separately by the university:

  • Payments to class members: $120,000
  • Attorneys’ fees: Up to $236,532 (paid separately by UC)
  • Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $20,000
  • Settlement administration costs: Estimated at $19,468
  • Service award to class representative: Up to $4,000

Key Dates

  • Claim Deadline: July 21, 2025
  • Opt-Out Deadline: July 21, 2025
  • Final Approval Hearing: October 23, 2025

When Will Payments Be Issued?

Checks will be mailed to eligible claimants approximately 75 days after the court grants final settlement approval.

Why Was the Lawsuit Filed?

The lawsuit claimed that the University failed to deliver promised in-person education and campus services due to unauthorized strikes, breaching its agreement with students. While the university denied liability, it chose to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation and associated costs.

Sources:

Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.