University of Oklahoma Graduate Seeks Tuition, Fee Refunds for Spring 2020 Semester Curtailed by COVID-19 Crisis

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

A recent University of Oklahoma graduate claims in a proposed class action that the school has refused to offer tuition and fee refunds for the Spring 2020 semester cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Filed against the State of Oklahoma and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma, the 12-page lawsuit argues that because the school transitioned to online classes after March 23, students were deprived of the in-person educational experience for which they already paid tuition and fees. According to the case, the defendants failed to provide the educational experience, services, and opportunities for which students contracted for 45 percent of the Spring 2020 semester and therefore owe reimbursement.

“Plaintiff and the Class did not enter into an agreement with Defendants for online education, but rather sought to receive in-person education from Defendants’ institution,” the complaint argues. “Therefore, Plaintiff and Class Members are entitled to a pro-rata refund of the tuition and fees they paid to Defendants for in-person educational services as well as other marketed collegiate experiences and services that were not provided.”

The plaintiff, a former full-time graduate student who recently completed his degree, says he paid approximately $16,017 in tuition and fees to attend the University of Oklahoma during the Spring semester. Prior to the school’s closure, the plaintiff attended on-campus events, was involved in several student activities and clubs, and held leadership positions in various on-campus organizations, the case says. Although the plaintiff entered into a contract with the defendants to receive in-person educational services and experiences for the entire semester, the school failed to provide such after spring break recess, according to the lawsuit. 

The lawsuit, which follows dozens of other suits seeking tuition refunds from universities and schools amid the COVID-19 crisis, looks to represent anyone who paid tuition and fees to the University of Oklahoma to receive in-person educational services, experiences and opportunities during the Spring 2020 semester.

ClassAction.org’s coverage of COVID-19 litigation can be found here and over on our Newswire.

Sign up for ClassAction.org’s newsletter here.