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University of Florida Tuition Refund Class Action Lawsuit Overview:
- Who: University of Florida student Tom Lam filed a class action against the school and various officials.
- Why: Lam claims that he and other students should be reimbursed for University of Florida tuition after COVID-19 restrictions forced them into virtual learning.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was lodged in a Florida circuit court.
The University of Florida did not properly refund tuition and other fees paid by students forced to transition to online learning because of its response to COVID-19 restrictions, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Lead Plaintiff Tom Lam claims students lost the benefit of on-campus services their tuition and fees were meant to pay for and deserve a pro-rated refund. Lam wants to represent a nationwide Class of students who paid University of Florida tuition during the Spring 2020 academic semester and were only provided an eight cent refund after being forced into virtual learning due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The University of Florida Board of Trustees, a defendant named in the class action lawsuit, is responsible and liable for the university’s decision not to offer prorated tuition refunds, Lam says.
University of Florida Tuition Meant to Cover In-Person Learning
Lam was enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Florida during the Spring 2020 academic semester, according to the class action lawsuit. Lam claims the school accepted his tuition and fee payments in exchange for the promise of in-person educational services, experiences, and opportunities.
The University of Florida detailed these in-person services and opportunities in marketing, advertisements, and other public representations, says Lam.
The plaintiff claims they and other Class Members chose to go to the University of Florida instead of other institutions and paid a “significantly high tuition” to enroll on an in-person basis.
“Plaintiff and members of the proposed Class did not enter into an agreement with Defendants for online education, but rather agreed to pay for and receive in-person education from the University,” states the class action lawsuit.
Lam claims the University of Florida was unable to provide in-person classes or other promised services and opportunities for approximately half of the Spring 2020 semester.
Indeed, University of Florida Provost Joe Glover sent a memo in early March 2020 recommending all classes be moved to an emergency online basis during the coronavirus outbreak. University president Kent Fuchs then announced all classes would remain online for the rest of the semester around a week later, according to the tuition refund class action lawsuit.
The University of Florida announced it would distribute partial refunds for housing and dining plans, but made no offer to refund tuition or other fees despite the fact all classes were online and campus access was restricted, says the class action lawsuit.
The institution later announced it would amend its Student Health, Athletic, Activity, and Service and Transportation Fees, but added a “Distance Learning Fee,” according to the class action lawsuit.
The total fee reduction for the Spring 2020 semester ended up being only eight cents, Lam points out.
Lam says the University of Florida is guilty of breach of contract and unjust enrichment. He is demanding a jury trial and is seeking compensatory damages and restitution.
The University of Florida has filed a motion with the court to dismiss the class action lawsuit.
A similar class action lawsuit was filed against the University of South Florida earlier this month alleging it failed to properly reimburse its students after the university transitioned to online learning.
Are you a University of Florida student or parent and feel you deserve a tuition refund from the school? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by Joshua H. Eggnatz, and Michael J. Pascucci, of Eggnatz Pascucci.
The University of Florida Tuition Refund Class Action Lawsuit is Lam v. University of Florida Board of Trustees et al, Case No. 1:21-cv-00137, in the Circuit Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida.
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