Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why have I received notice?

A Court has authorized notice because you have a right to know about the proposed Settlement of this class-action lawsuit, and your options, before the Court decides whether to give “final approval” to the Settlement. The Notice explains the lawsuit, the proposed Settlement, and your legal rights. If you attended the University of California, Santa Cruz (“UCSC”) during the Fall 2019 and/or Spring 2020 academic quarters (the “Class Period”), you may be a Settlement Class Member. If you received a notice of the proposed settlement via email, it is because the records of the Regents of the University of California indicate that you (i) paid or were obligated to pay tuition, room and board, and/or educational service fees for either or both of the Fall 2019 or Winter 2020 academic quarters and (ii) were enrolled in one or more courses prior to March 10, 2020, that was designated as in person, at UCSC.

The Honorable Layne H. Melzer of the Superior Court of California, Orange County, is overseeing this class-action lawsuit, known as Chandler v. The Regents of the University of California, Case No. 30-2020-01169261-CU-BC-CXC (Superior Court of California, Orange County) (the “Action”). Jacob Chandler is the person who brought this Action and is called the “Plaintiff” or “Class Representative.” The institution that is being sued, the Regents of the University of California, is called the “Defendant.”

2. What is the lawsuit about?

This lawsuit seeks to recover economic losses relating to the lack of in-person classes and/or on-campus resources at UCSC during the Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 academic quarters resulting from “wildcat” strikes. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Defendant breached a contract it formed with Class Members due to several days of canceled lectures, campus shutdowns, closure of food halls, and numerous other disruptions affecting students’ education and campus life at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Defendant denies these allegations.

3. Why is this a class action?

In a class action, one or more people called “Class Representatives” assert claims on behalf of people who have similar claims. All of these people are the “Class” or “Class Members.” One court resolves the issues for all Class Members, except for those who timely exclude themselves from (or “opt out” of) the Class. The Class Representative in the Action is the Plaintiff identified above. There are an estimated 17,780 Settlement Class Members.

4. Why is there a settlement?

The parties have agreed to a settlement based on the First Amended Settlement Agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) to avoid further cost and risk of a trial, and so that the people affected can begin getting benefits in exchange for releasing Defendant from liability for the claims that were raised or could have been raised in the Action involving (i) cancellation of classes or other educational instruction; (ii) reduced class instruction time; (iii) lack of access to on-campus facilities and services; or (iv) restricted access to on-campus facilities and services, due in part to alleged authorized striking activity at UCSC, excluding any claims for property damage or personal injury. The Settlement does not mean that the Defendant broke any laws, or otherwise did anything wrong, because Judge Melzer did not decide which side was right. The Class Representative and the lawyers representing him believe the Settlement is fair and reasonable for the Settlement Class Members.

5. How do I know if I am part of the Settlement? What products are included in the Settlement?

The Settlement Class includes all undergraduate students at the University of California Santa Cruz who (i) paid or were obligated to pay tuition, room and board, and/or educational service fees for either or both of the Fall 2019 or Winter 2020 academic quarters, and (ii) were enrolled in one or more course prior to March 10, 2020, that was designated as in person.

Excluded from the Class are the Defendant, Defendant’s officers, directors, trustees, corporations, trusts, representatives, principals, partners, or joint ventures, and their heirs, successors, assigns, as well as the judges assigned to this action, and any member of a judge’s immediate family.

6. What are the benefits of the Settlement?

If the Court grants final approval of the Settlement and the Settlement becomes effective (the “Effective Date”), Settlement Class Members who submit a valid and timely claim will be entitled to a pro rata share of $120,000.00. By way of example only, if the Court finally approves the Settlement in this Action, and 1,000 Settlement Class Members have submitted valid and timely Claim Forms, then each of the 1,000 Settlement Class Members are expected to receive $120.00 as their Individual Settlement Payment. The Individual Settlement Payment each Valid Claimant is expected to receive depends on the number of valid claims that the Claims Administrator receives. The fewer valid claims received by the Claims Administrator, the larger the Individual Settlement Payment is expected to be, and vice versa. Based on Settlement Class Counsel’s experience, they estimate that approximately 5-10% of the estimated 17,780 Settlement Class Members will submit a claim form.

To obtain a cash payment, you must submit a Claim Form and provide all the required information requested in the Claim Form.

Any unclaimed or abandoned settlement checks will be distributed in equal shares to charitable entities Public Justice and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, as a “cy pres” award, subject to Court approval.

7. What am I giving up in exchange for the Settlement check?

If the Settlement becomes final, Class Members will be releasing Defendant and related people and entities from all the claims described and identified in Section XIV of the Settlement Agreement. In essence, the claims Class Members are releasing are all claims arising out of (i) cancellation of classes or other educational instruction; (ii) reduced class instruction time; (iii) lack of access to on-campus facilities and services; or (iv) restricted access to on-campus facilities and services, due in part to alleged authorized striking activity at UCSC, excluding any claims for property damage or personal injury. The Settlement Agreement describes the Released Claims with specific descriptions, in necessarily accurate legal terminology, so read it carefully. The Settlement Agreement is available on the Important Documents page of this website.

Judge Melzer has appointed specific lawyers to represent you in this lawsuit and Settlement. You can talk to one of the lawyers listed in FAQ 15 below, free of charge, if you have questions about the released claims or what they mean. You can also speak with your own lawyer, should you have one, about this Settlement.

8. How do I get a Settlement Check?

If you are a Settlement Class Member and would like to cash payment (described in FAQ 6, above), you need to complete the Claim Form. You may complete an online Claim Form on this website or you can download a copy of the paper Claim Form. Claim Forms must be submitted or postmarked no later than July 21, 2025.

If you have any questions on how to complete the Claim Form or what information is needed, you can call the Claims Administrator at (833) 296-0833.

9. What if my claim is deficient or is denied?

There is a process defined in the Settlement Agreement to allow Settlement Class Members to cure their claim if the Claims Administrator determines it is deficient. If your Claim Form is determined to be deficient, you will be sent an email or letter within fourteen (14) days of the determination that the claim is deficient, with an explanation of the reason(s) for the deficiency. You will be allowed twenty-one (21) days from the date the deficiency notice was mailed or emailed to cure the deficiency, if possible. If you have questions regarding this process, contact the Claims Administrator.

10. When will I get the Settlement check?

Within forty-five (45) days of the Effective Date, the Claims Administrator will commence issuing applicable payments to Settlement Class Members who have submitted valid Claim Forms. We anticipate the Effective Date will be on or about November 4, 2025. Please check this website for updates.

If your mailing address changes, please promptly contact the Claims Administrator to provide an updated mailing address.

11. Can I exclude myself from this Settlement?

Yes. If you want to keep the right to sue or if you are already suing Defendant in another action over the legal issues in this case, then you must take steps to opt-out of this Settlement. This is called requesting to be excluded from – sometimes called “opting out” of – the Settlement. A sample Request for Exclusion form is available for download by clicking here. Requests for Exclusion must be postmarked or submitted online via this website by July 21, 2025.

12. If I exclude myself, can I get anything from this Settlement?

No. If you ask to be excluded, you cannot object to the Settlement, and you will not receive any of the benefits of the Settlement. But you may sue, continue to sue, or be part of a different lawsuit against Defendant in the future, including for claims that this Settlement resolves. You will not be bound by anything that happens in this lawsuit if you timely ask to be excluded. However, if 1,000 or more Settlement Class Members timely exclude themselves from the Settlement, either Defendant or Plaintiff may elect to terminate the Settlement Agreement.

13. If I don’t exclude myself, can I sue later?

No. Unless you exclude yourself, you give up the right to sue Defendant for the claims that this Settlement resolves.

14. How do I exclude myself from the Settlement?

You may make a Request for Exclusion by submitting such request via the online portal on this website or in writing by mailing it to the Claims Administrator. Any Request for Exclusion must: (A) include your full name and current address; (B) contain a clear and specific statement of your desire to be excluded from the Settlement in Chandler v. The Regents of the University of California, Case No. 30-2020-01169261-CU-BC-CXC (Superior Court of California, Orange County); and (C) your signature. You may also include your telephone number and e-mail address (if any). A Request for Exclusion Form is also available for download. You may mail your Request for Exclusion Form to:

Chandler v. The Regents of the University of California
c/o Claims Administrator ATTN: Exclusion Mail
PO Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA, 92799

You must either submit your Request for Exclusion to the Claims Administrator via the online portal or mail it to the Claim Administrator no later than July 21, 2025.

Failure to comply with any of these requirements for excluding yourself may result in you being bound by this Settlement. The Court is the final arbiter regarding the validity and authenticity of requests for exclusion.

15. Do I have a lawyer in the case?

The Plaintiff and you are represented by lawyers and a law firm that has prosecuted this case. Judge Melzer has appointed the following lawyers to represent you and other Settlement Class Members as Settlement Class Counsel:

You will not be charged for these lawyers. If you want to be represented by another lawyer, you may hire one to appear in Court for you at your own expense.

16. How will the lawyers be paid?

As part of the resolution of the Action, Settlement Class Counsel and Defendant have agreed that Settlement Class Counsel may apply to the Court for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs. Settlement Class Counsel anticipate seeking a combined award not exceeding $256,532 as attorneys’ fees (up to $236,532) and costs (up to $20,000). Defendant has agreed not to oppose this request. The Settlement Class Counsel fees and costs will be paid separate and apart from payments made to the Settlement Class Members and will not reduce the value of the checks distributed to Settlement Class Members. The Court will determine the amount of attorneys’ fees and costs after evaluating Plaintiff’s submission of a motion for attorneys’ fees, costs and service award, which will be filed on or before May 2, 2025, and made available on this website.

17. How will the Claims Administrator be paid?

As part of the resolution of the Action, Settlement Class Counsel and Defendant have agreed that the Claims Administrator may be paid for class notice and settlement administration expenses. The class notice and settlement administration expenses are estimated to be $19,468, which will be paid separate and apart from any relief provided to the Class and will not reduce the value of the checks distributed to Settlement Class Members. The Court will determine the amount of reasonable class notice and settlement administration expenses after evaluating Plaintiff’s submission of a motion for attorneys’ fees, costs and service awards, which will be filed on or before May 2, 2025, and made available on this website.

18. How will the Class Representative be compensated for his time and efforts?

As part of the resolution of the Action, Settlement Class Counsel and Defendant have agreed that Settlement Class Counsel may apply to the Court for a Service Award to Plaintiff up to the amount of $4,000.00. The Defendant has agreed not to oppose this request. The Service Award will be paid separate and apart from any relief provided to the Class and will not reduce the value of the benefits distributed to Settlement Class Members. The Court will determine the amount of service awards, if any, after evaluating Plaintiff’s submission of a motion for attorneys’ fees, costs and service awards, which will be filed on or before May 2, 2025, and made available on this website.

19. How do I tell the Court if I don’t like the Settlement?

You can object to the Settlement if you don’t like some part of it, whether in writing or orally at the Final Approval Hearing. You can give reasons why you think the Court should not approve it. To object in writing, send a letter saying that you object to the Settlement in Chandler v. The Regents of the University of California, Case No. 30-2020-01169261-CU-BC-CXC (Superior Court of California, Orange County). Your Objection must be submitted via the online portal on this website or mailed to the Claims Administrator. If you wish to object in writing, your objection must include: (A) your full name, current address, current telephone number, email address (if any); (B) a statement indicating that you were an undergraduate student at University of California, Santa Cruz, during the Fall 2019 and/or Spring 2020 terms; (C) a statement of the position(s) you wish to assert, including the factual grounds for the position; and (D) your signature. Additionally, the objector may choose to submit any documents that the objector wishes to be considered in connection with the Objection. You may also indicate whether you intend to appear at the Final Approval Hearing. An Objection Form is available for download here. You may mail your Objection to:

Chandler v. The Regents of the University of California
c/o Claims Administrator ATTN: Objection Mail
PO Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA, 92799

You must submit your written Objection to the Claims Administrator no later than July 21, 2025. Alternatively, you may make an objection orally at the Final Approval Hearing.

Additional information about the requirements for objectors who are represented by an attorney are found in Section IX of the Settlement Agreement, which is located on the Important Documents section of this website.

Absent good cause found by the Court, objections that are not timely or are otherwise not compliant may be deemed waived and not considered by the Court. The Court retains final authority with respect to consideration and admissibility of objections.

20. What’s the difference between objecting and excluding yourself?

Objecting is simply telling Judge Melzer that you don’t like something about the Settlement. You can object only if you stay in the Settlement. Excluding yourself is telling Judge Melzer that you don’t want to be part of the Settlement and thus do not want to receive any benefits from the Settlement as described in Answer 6. If you exclude yourself, you have no basis to object because the Settlement no longer affects you.

21. When and where will Judge Melzer decide whether to approve the Settlement?

The Court will hold a “Final Approval Hearing” to decide whether to approve the Settlement October 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PST, located in the Orange County Superior Courthouse, at 751 West Santa Ana Boulevard, Santa Ana, CA 92701, in Department CX 102. At this hearing, the Court will determine whether the Settlement is fair, adequate, and reasonable and whether objections by Settlement Class Members, if any, have merit. At this hearing, the Court will also decide the Service Award for the Class Representative, the attorney’s fees and costs for the lawyers representing the Settlement Class Members, and reasonable class notice and administration expenses to the Claims Administrator. We do not know how long the Court’s decision will take, and the hearing date may change due to other court business. Updates will be posted on this website.

22. Do I need to go to the hearing?

No. Class Counsel will answer questions the Court may have, but you may come to the hearing at your own expense. If you submit an objection, you don’t have to come to Court to discuss it. If you mail a valid and timely written objection, the Court will consider it. You may also pay another lawyer to attend, but that’s not required.

23. May I speak at the hearing?

Whether or not you have objected to the Settlement, you may speak with Judge Melzer at the Final Approval Hearing. If you are represented by an attorney for your objection to the Settlement, your attorney must file with the Court a notice of appearance by the Objection Deadline July 21, 2025.

You cannot speak at the hearing if you have excluded yourself from the Settlement.

24. What if I do nothing?

If you do nothing, you will give up the right to be part of any other lawsuit against Defendant about the legal claims released by the Settlement. You will not receive a cash payment described in FAQ 6 unless you submit a Claim Form in a timely manner.

25. Are there more details about the Settlement?

This website and Notice summarize the proposed Settlement. More details are in the Settlement Agreement available in the Important Documents page of this website. You may also contact the Claims Administrator with any questions by phone at (833) 296-0833. You should check this website regularly for updates on the case, including regarding the Settlement, the approval process for the Settlement, the scope and terms of the Settlement Class and the scope and terms of the Settlement. Additionally, you may check the court’s Registrar of Actions for this case by going to https://www.occourts.org/online-services/case-access and selecting “Civil Case & Document Access.”