National University unreimbursed expenses $925K class action settlement

Certain educators at National University are eligible for compensation after the California not-for-profit corporation settled a lawsuit for $925,000 regarding unreimbursed expenses. The plaintiff argued the school should have reimbursed her and other class members for expenses related to remote teaching during the pandemic.

Class members include adjunct instructors employed by National University in California from Dec. 10, 2019, to Jan. 18, 2022.

A class action lawsuit filed by Cheryl Burleigh accuses the university of violating labor law by not reimbursing adjunct instructors for the costs of teaching students from their homes. 

During the pandemic, the school announced it would move all classes online to prevent community spread of the coronavirus. The university also mandated that all remote employees, including class members be available by phone and email during working hours, with expectations they would return calls and emails promptly and participate in video meetings. 

Plaintiff Burleigh alleged in the lawsuit that class members, in order to teach the required online courses, incurred expenses associated with internet access, home or mobile telephones, ink toner/cartridges and paper. The lawsuit stated the university did not reimburse class members for these expenses, “fully or at all.”

National University operates its main campus in San Diego, with more than 20 other campus locations in California. According to its website, the university has grown to more than 25,000 students and 175,000 alumni worldwide.

Under the terms of the settlement, educators could see a payout as high as $7,500. 

Additionally, the university agrees it will pay reimbursements of at least $45 per month for adjunct faculty in any month employees are required to work remotely. 

The objection, opt-out and dispute deadlines for the National University settlement are July 18, 2022.

Class members have been or will be contacted through the mail with information regarding the settlement, though they do not have to respond or take any action to get their portion.

Who’s Eligible

Class members include adjunct instructors employed by National University in California from Dec. 10, 2019, to Jan. 18, 2022.

Potential Award

Up to $7,500

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

Objection, Opt-out and Dispute Deadline

07/18/2022

Case Name

Burleigh v. National University, Case No. MSC21-00939, in the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County

Final Hearing

08/26/2022

Settlement Website

CPTGroupCaseInfo.com/BurleighNationalUniversity

Claims Administrator

Burleigh v. National University Settlement c/o
CPT Group, Inc.
50 Corporate Park,
Irvine, California 92606
888-398-3455

Class Counsel

William Jhaveri-weeks
Ally N Girouard
THE JHAVERI-WEEKS FIRM

Julian Hammond
Polina Brandler
Ari Cherniak
HAMMONDLAW PC

Defense Counsel

Spencer C Skeen
Tim L Johnson
Jesse C Ferrantella
OGLETREE DEAKINS NASH SMOAK & STEWART PC