USC Alumni Association class action settlement

The University of Southern California (USC) agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims it canceled graduate students’ alumni association memberships.

The settlement benefits individuals who completed a USC graduate certificate program, did not otherwise have a degree from USC and whose USC Alumni Association membership was revoked or not provided between Jan. 1, 2000, and Nov. 9, 2023.

Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit claim they were denied the benefit of a USC Alumni Association membership, which provides numerous benefits with significant financial value. Despite completing a graduate certificate program, these students allegedly did not receive an alumni membership or had their memberships canceled. 

The USC Alumni Association supports more than 100 alumni organizations related to the USC school system. Membership to the alumni system provides career services, campus retailer discounts, special offers and other access.

The University of South California hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to resolve the class action lawsuit.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a $50 e-coupon to be used online or in-store at USC bookstores. 

Class members also were to have their alumni association membership automatically reinstated by Feb. 20, 2024.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is April 3, 2024.

The final approval hearing for the USC Alumni Association settlement is scheduled for July 16, 2024.

No claim form is required to receive an e-coupon, though class members may need to update their email address with the settlement address in order to receive their coupon. 

Class members who received a notice by mail and who want to receive a printed coupon at a different address must mail a written request to the settlement administrator. The request must include the case name, the class member’s name and the class member’s updated mailing address. The deadline to request a printed coupon is April 5, 2024.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who completed a USC graduate certificate program, did not otherwise have a degree from USC and whose USC Alumni Association membership was revoked or not provided between Jan. 1, 2000, and Nov. 9, 2023.

Potential Award

$50 bookstore coupon

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Update Address

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Updated Address Deadline

04/03/2024

Case Name

Ralson v. University of Southern California, et al., Case No. 22STCV18066, in the California Superior Court for Los Angeles County

Final Hearing

07/16/2024

Settlement Website

USCGraduateCertificateSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Ralston v USC
c/o Settlement Administrator
PO BOX 23369
Jacksonville, FL 32241
info@uscgraduatecertificatesettlement.com

Class Counsel

Lizelle S Brandt
SINGIAN LAW

Defense Counsel

Moe Keshavarzi
SHEPPARD MULLIN RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP