Settlement Proposed for University of Minnesota Data Incident: Here's What You Need to Know
On October 21, 2025, Kroll Settlement Administration released a statement regarding a proposed settlement related to a significant data incident at the University of Minnesota. This settlement stems from consolidated class action lawsuits concerning alleged unauthorized access to personal information stored in the University’s Legacy Data Warehouse. This security breach reportedly occurred around August 2021 and was publicly disclosed in a notice from the University posted in September 2023.
Individuals who might be classified as members of the settlement include anyone whose personal information was either maintained by or accessible through the University of Minnesota’s Legacy Data Warehouse as of August 10, 2021. This distinctly encompasses prospective students, current and former attendees of the University, employees, as well as participants in University programs dating back to 1989. If you're one of these individuals, you may qualify to benefit from the settlement, which has a total allocation of $5 million.
The proposed settlement offers a variety of compensation avenues, including cash payments to class members, service awards to class representatives, and the funding of attorney fees. Specifically, recipients of the settlement can anticipate a cash payment near $30. Furthermore, the settlement will provide two years of dark web monitoring to help protect affected individuals against potential misuse of their personal data.
In shining light on the incident's aftermath, the University is also committed to enhancing the security of the Legacy Data Warehouse and plans to modernize its data warehousing capabilities, with costs to be covered by the University directly, remaining clear of the settlement funds.
To partake in this settlement and secure the benefits, filing a Claim Form is essential. Interested individuals must ensure their claims are submitted either online or postmarked by no later than December 24, 2025. For those opting to mail their claims, they should send them to:
University of Minnesota Data Incident Settlement,
C/O Kroll Settlement Administration LLC,
P.O. Box 225391,
New York, NY 10150-5391.
It is crucial for affected individuals to understand their options. Those who choose not to engage with the settlement will automatically be legally bound by its terms and will, therefore, release any claims against the University and associated parties. In contrast, if individuals prefer not to be bound by the settlement, they must opt out by December 29, 2025.
Additionally, it is possible to file an objection to the settlement if feelings about its fairness arise, with similar deadlines set for December 29, 2025. Specific guidelines on how to opt out or file an objection can be accessed on the official settlement website, www.UofMDataSettlement.com.
A pivotal Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT. This hearing will serve to evaluate the settlement's fairness, discuss any objections, and determine class counsel's application for attorney fees and service awards, restricted to one-third of the settlement fund, in addition to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred throughout the process.
For individuals who need legal representation, the Court has assigned a group of attorneys to help support members of the settlement class. Noteworthy lawyers appointed include Daniel E. Gustafson and Kate Baxter-Kauf among others. Importantly, if claimants wish to have personal legal counsel, they have the autonomy to hire a lawyer, though at their own cost.
For additional details concerning the settlement, accessible documents, or inquiries, parties are urged to visit the aforementioned settlement website or reach out via toll-free call at (833) 890-4933.
In sum, this situation surrounding the University of Minnesota presents an opportunity for affected individuals to seek compensation as they navigate the implications of the data incident. Staying informed about deadlines and your rights associated with this settlement will be critical in the coming months.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
Individuals who might be classified as members of the settlement include anyone whose personal information was either maintained by or accessible through the University of Minnesota’s Legacy Data Warehouse as of August 10, 2021. This distinctly encompasses prospective students, current and former attendees of the University, employees, as well as participants in University programs dating back to 1989. If you're one of these individuals, you may qualify to benefit from the settlement, which has a total allocation of $5 million.
What Benefits Does the Settlement Offer?
The proposed settlement offers a variety of compensation avenues, including cash payments to class members, service awards to class representatives, and the funding of attorney fees. Specifically, recipients of the settlement can anticipate a cash payment near $30. Furthermore, the settlement will provide two years of dark web monitoring to help protect affected individuals against potential misuse of their personal data.
In shining light on the incident's aftermath, the University is also committed to enhancing the security of the Legacy Data Warehouse and plans to modernize its data warehousing capabilities, with costs to be covered by the University directly, remaining clear of the settlement funds.
Filing a Claim
To partake in this settlement and secure the benefits, filing a Claim Form is essential. Interested individuals must ensure their claims are submitted either online or postmarked by no later than December 24, 2025. For those opting to mail their claims, they should send them to:
University of Minnesota Data Incident Settlement,
C/O Kroll Settlement Administration LLC,
P.O. Box 225391,
New York, NY 10150-5391.
What Are Your Options Moving Forward?
It is crucial for affected individuals to understand their options. Those who choose not to engage with the settlement will automatically be legally bound by its terms and will, therefore, release any claims against the University and associated parties. In contrast, if individuals prefer not to be bound by the settlement, they must opt out by December 29, 2025.
Additionally, it is possible to file an objection to the settlement if feelings about its fairness arise, with similar deadlines set for December 29, 2025. Specific guidelines on how to opt out or file an objection can be accessed on the official settlement website, www.UofMDataSettlement.com.
The Court's Role
A pivotal Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT. This hearing will serve to evaluate the settlement's fairness, discuss any objections, and determine class counsel's application for attorney fees and service awards, restricted to one-third of the settlement fund, in addition to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred throughout the process.
Representation and Legal Counsel
For individuals who need legal representation, the Court has assigned a group of attorneys to help support members of the settlement class. Noteworthy lawyers appointed include Daniel E. Gustafson and Kate Baxter-Kauf among others. Importantly, if claimants wish to have personal legal counsel, they have the autonomy to hire a lawyer, though at their own cost.
For additional details concerning the settlement, accessible documents, or inquiries, parties are urged to visit the aforementioned settlement website or reach out via toll-free call at (833) 890-4933.
In sum, this situation surrounding the University of Minnesota presents an opportunity for affected individuals to seek compensation as they navigate the implications of the data incident. Staying informed about deadlines and your rights associated with this settlement will be critical in the coming months.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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