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 treasures that are held for exhibition, education, research and public service. Estimated lives used for depreciation purposes are as follows:

Compensated Absences: The liability and expense incurred for employee vacation and sick pay are recorded as accrued compensated absences in the statement of net assets and as a component of compensation and benefit expense in the statement of revenues, expenses and changes in net assets.

Deferred Revenue: Deferred revenue includes amounts received for tuition and fees prior to the end of the fiscal year but related to the subsequent reporting period. Deferred revenues also include amounts received from grant and contract sponsors and state deferred maintenance funds that have not yet been earned.

Restricted Asset Spending Policy: The University's policy is that restrictions on assets cannot be fulfilled by the expenditure of unrestricted funds for similar purposes. The determination on whether restricted or unrestricted funds are expended for a particular purpose is made on a case-by-case basis. Restricted funds remain restricted until spent for the intended purpose.

Operating Activities: The University defines operating activities, as reported on the statement of revenues, expenses and changes in net assets, as those that generally result from exchange transactions, such as payments received for providing goods and services and payments made for services and goods received. Nearly all of the University's expenses are from exchange transactions. Certain significant revenues relied upon for operations, such as state and certain federal appropriations, gifts and investment income, are recorded as non-operating revenues, in accordance with GASB Statement No. 35.

Scholarship Discounts and Allowances: Financial aid to students is reported in the financial statements under the alternative method as prescribed by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). Certain aid, such as loans and funds provided to students awarded by third parties, is accounted for as third party payments (credited to the Student's account as if the student made the payment). All other aid is reflected in the financial statements as operating expenses, or scholarship allowances, which reduce revenues. The amount reported as operating expenses represents the portion of aid that was provided to the student in the form of cash. Scholarship allowances represent the portion of aid provided to the student in the form of reduced tuition. Under the alternative method, these amounts are computed by allocating the cash payments to students, excluding payments for services, on the ratio of total aid to the aid not considered to be third party aid.

25.