Kentucky State University recognizes its fiduciary duty not only to invest the University's endowment holdings in formal compliance with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) but also to manage those funds in continued recognition of the basic long-term nature of the University. The University interprets this to mean, in addition to the adopted spending guidelines and restrictions described below, that the assets of the University shall be actively managed, that is, investment decisions regarding the particular securities to be purchased or sold shall be the result of the conscious exercise of discretion. The University recognizes that, commensurate with its overall objective of maximizing long-range return while maintaining a high standard of portfolio quality and consistency of return, it is necessary that proper diversification of assets be maintained both among and within the classes of securities held. Within this context of active management and the necessity of adherence to proper diversification, the University relies upon appropriate professional advice.
The University recognizes that long-term objectives are most important, but it is also necessary that shorter-term benchmarks be used to assess the periodic performance of the investment program. The University anticipates annual spending of five percent (5%) of the average market value for the past three years, the amount of which shall be determined in January of each year.
The University believes that it is prudent to diversify endowment investments so as to minimize the risks of large losses and has established asset allocation ranges based upon the University's participation demographics, anticipated cash flow requirements and the expected returns of the capital markets. The University President will allocate assets within classes of investments which he/she considers to be appropriate.
Investments are valued at fair value based on quoted market prices. Short-term investments are investments that are not cash equivalents but mature within the next fiscal year and are classified as current assets.
Capital assets are stated at cost at date of acquisition or, in the case of gifts, at fair value at date of gift. Equipment with a unit cost of $2,000 or more and having an estimated useful life of greater than one year is capitalized. Renovations to buildings and infrastructure and land improvements that significantly increase the value or extend the useful life of the structure are capitalized. Routine repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense in the year in which the expense is incurred.
Depreciation of capital assets is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. The University capitalizes, but does not depreciate, works of art and historical