Settlement Status

A proposed Settlement has been reached relating to a class action lawsuit brought by Plaintiff, a student at SJU during the Spring 2020 semester, against SJU, on behalf of a putative class of undergraduate students who paid tuition for the Spring 2020 semester. The case is captioned Cantave v. Saint Joseph’s University, Civil Action No. 2:23-cv-03181 (E.D. Pa.). (the “Action”).

In this Action, Plaintiff alleged SJU breached a contract when it transitioned to remote learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plaintiff also alleged that SJU’s shift to remote learning gave rise to a claim of unjust enrichment. Plaintiff sought a refund of a portion of the tuition for the Spring 2020 semester. SJU denies all allegations of wrongdoing, and there has been no finding of liability in any court. However, considering the interest of both SJU and its students in prompt resolution of the matter, SJU and Plaintiff have agreed that SJU will pay $1,153,880 into a Settlement Fund to resolve the Action.

The terms of the agreement are set forth in the proposed Settlement that must be approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This notice includes information about the proposed Settlement, a final approval hearing scheduled by the Court, and the process for being heard by the Court.

If you are a Settlement Class Member, your options available under the Settlement are detailed below:

DO NOTHING AND AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A PAYMENT

See Answer 7(a) of the Notice.

Your payment will be sent automatically by first class U.S. Mail to your last known mailing address on file with the SJU Registrar. Class Members will also have the option, but are not required, to visit the Settlement Website at to choose one or more of the following selections: (a) provide an updated address for sending a check; or (b) elect to receive the Settlement Benefit by Venmo or PayPal instead of a paper check; or (c) elect to have the Settlement Benefit applied to your SJU student account.

EXCLUDE YOURSELF FROM THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

Postmarked no later than September 9, 2024. See Answer 7(b) of the Notice.

You can choose to “opt out” of the proposed Settlement. Opting out means that you choose not to participate in the proposed Settlement. It also means that you cannot object to the proposed Settlement (see below). If you opt out, you will not receive a payment and you will keep any individual claims you may have against SJU relating to the transition to remote learning in the Spring 2020 semester. Be aware that the statute of limitations may impact your ability to file a claim. For more detailed opt-out instructions, see Answer 11 of the Notice.

OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

Postmarked no later than September 9, 2024. See Answer 7(c) of the Notice.

You can file an objection with the Court explaining why you believe the Court should reject the proposed Settlement. If your objection is overruled by the Court and the proposed Settlement is approved, then you would be included in the Settlement Class. If the Court agrees with your objection, then the proposed Settlement may not be approved. If you choose to object, you may not also opt out of the proposed Settlement, as only participating class members may object to a proposed Settlement. For more detailed objection instructions, see Answer 12 of the Notice.