Case Home
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT NOTICE
Ralston v. University of Southern California, et al.
Case No. 22STCV18066
You have been identified as someone who completed a University of Southern California (“USC”) Graduate Certificate Program, did not otherwise have a degree from USC, and whose membership in the USC Alumni Association was revoked and/or not provided on or after January 1, 2000
***PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO FACILITATE ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT***
This class action settlement may affect your rights.
PLEASE READ YOUR NOTICE CAREFULLY.
A California Superior Court authorized your notice. It is not an advertisement.
SUMMARY: Brian Ralston (“Plaintiff”), a graduate of a Graduate Certificate (“GRCT”) program at USC, brought this lawsuit against USC and the USC Alumni Association (“USCAA”) (collectively referred to as “Defendants”), claiming that Defendants improperly revoked his membership in the USCAA, as well as the membership of other GRCT program graduates. Plaintiff sought damages, restitution, and injunctive relief in the form of reinstatement of membership in the USCAA for himself and the Class, with all accompanying alumni benefits. Defendants dispute Plaintiff’s claims and deny all liability to Plaintiff and the Class. The Court has not determined whether Defendants are liable on any of Plaintiff’s claims, but Plaintiff and Defendants have, after extensive negotiations, decided to resolve their dispute and agree that this Settlement is fair, adequate, reasonable, and in the best interests of Plaintiff, the Class, and Defendants, who recognize the value of maintaining a positive relationship with their alumni.
As explained in greater detail below and in the attached documents, the proposed Settlement resolves the claims that were or could have been raised in this lawsuit, stipulates to certification of the Class and appointment of Class Counsel, and provides for: (1) reinstatement of membership in the USCAA to all Class Members; and (2) issuance of a $50.00 electronic coupon (“e-coupon”) to the USC Bookstore redeemable online at www.USCBookstore.com (or, if requested, a printed coupon redeemable at on-campus USC bookstores) for all Class Members who do not opt out of the Settlement. (Settlement Class Members do not have to submit claims to obtain these Settlement benefits; however, Settlement Class Members must have a valid email address on file to receive an e-coupon; otherwise, a physical coupon will be sent to their last known mailing address, as described below.) Defendants will also ensure that USC/USCAA's advertising relating to the GRCT Programs accurately describes the benefits available to GRCT graduates.
***Please provide your updated email address to the Settlement Administrator by email at: [email protected] to facilitate distribution of an electronic $50.00 USC Bookstore Coupon.***