485APOS 1 sticlass485acombfiling1_02.txt STI CLASSIC 485 A COMBINED FILING 1_02 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 17, 2001 File No. 33-45671 File No. 811-6557 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM N-1A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ] POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 42 [X] AND REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ] AMENDMENT NO. 44 [X] STI CLASSIC FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) 101 Federal Street Boston, Massachusetts 02110 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code) Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code (800) 342-5734 -------------- James R. Foggo C/o SEI Corporation Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name and Address of Agent for Service) Copies to: Richard W. Grant, Esquire W. John McGuire Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 1701 Market Street 1800 M Street, N.W. Philadelphia, PA 19103 Washington, DC 20036 It is proposed that this filing become effective (check appropriate box): [ ] Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) [ ] On October 1, 2001 pursuant to paragraph (b) [ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) [ ] On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) [X] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) [ ] On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485. STI CLASSIC FUNDS -- BOND FUNDS TRUST SHARES PROSPECTUS APRIL 2, 2002 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE FUNDS: TRUSCO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. (THE "ADVISER") [STI CLASSIC FUNDS LOGO OMITTED] THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The STI Classic Funds is a mutual fund family that offers shares in separate investment portfolios (Funds). The Funds have individual investment goals and strategies. This prospectus gives you important information about the Trust Shares of the Classic Institutional Bond Funds that you should know before investing. Please read this prospectus and keep it for future reference. THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN ARRANGED INTO DIFFERENT SECTIONS SO THAT YOU CAN EASILY REVIEW THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. ON THE NEXT PAGE, THERE IS SOME GENERAL INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RISK AND RETURN THAT IS COMMON TO EACH OF THE FUNDS. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND, PLEASE SEE: PAGE CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND .................... 2 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND .......................................... 5 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK ........................................... 8 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS ............................... 9 INVESTMENT ADVISER .................................................... 9 PORTFOLIO MANAGER .................................................... 9 PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES .................................... 9 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS ...........................................11 TAXES .................................................................12 HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STI CLASSIC FUNDS ............13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING? [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK [MOUNTAIN ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS [MAGNIFYING ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT ADVISER [HANDSHAKE ICON OMITTED] PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 2, 2002 PROSPECTUS 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RISK/RETURN INFORMATION COMMON TO THE FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each Fund is a mutual fund. A mutual fund pools shareholders' money and, using professional investment managers, invests it in securities. Each Fund has its own investment goal and strategies for reaching that goal. The Adviser invests Fund assets in a way that it believes will help a Fund achieve its goal. Still, investing in each Fund involves risk and there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its goal. The Adviser's judgments about the markets, the economy or companies may not anticipate actual market movements, economic conditions or company performance, and these judgments may affect the return on your investment. In fact, no matter how good a job the Adviser does, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments. A Fund share is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency. The value of your investment in a Fund is based on the market prices of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities a Fund owns and the markets in which they trade. The effect on a Fund of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings. 2 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY INVESTMENT GOAL High current income consistent with preserving capital and maintaining liquidity ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Short duration investment grade money market and fixed income securities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify short duration securities that offer a comparably better return potential and yield than money market funds ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Conservative investors seeking to maximize income consistent with limited share price volatility -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund invests primarily in short duration, investment grade money market and fixed income securities including, but not limited to, U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, obligations of supranational entities and foreign governments, domestic and foreign corporate debt obligations, taxable municipal debt securities, mortgage backed and asset backed securities, repurchase agreements, and other mutual funds. The Fund normally expects to maintain an average effective maturity between three and twelve months. Individual purchases will generally be limited to securities with a maturity/average life of less than three years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to maximize income by identifying securities that offer an acceptable yield for a given level of credit risk and maturity. Most securities are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity. However, circumstances may warrant or require that securities be sold prior to maturity. [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? The price (NAV) of the Fund will fluctuate depending on general changes in interest rates as well as changes in the yields of the specific securities in the Fund. General (or macro) changes in interest rates may be a result of economic developments or Federal Reserve policy. In general, the NAV of the Fund will rise when interest rates fall, and likewise, the NAV of the Fund will fall when interest rates rise. An objective of the Fund is to minimize NAV fluctuation by (a) maintaining the Fund average weighted maturity between three months and one year and (b) investing the Fund in U.S. government and agency securities. The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than PROSPECTUS 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. The Fund is also subject to the risk that short-term U.S. government debt securities may under perform other segments of the fixed income market or the fixed income market as a whole. Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the Fund of mortgage-backed securities, and therefore, to assess the volatility risk of the Fund. Investing in foreign countries poses additional risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen separately from and in response to events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. These various risks will be even greater for investments in emerging market countries since political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions are more likely to occur in these countries. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. PROSPECTUS 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRUST SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.50% Shareholder Service Fee 0.25% Other Expenses 0.25%* ---- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.00%** * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.65% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $102 $318 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser." 5 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SUMMARY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT GOAL High current income consistent with preserving capital and maintaining liquidity ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Short-duration U.S. government securities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify short duration U.S. government securities that offer a comparably better return potential and yield than money market funds ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Conservative investors seeking to maximize income consistent with limited share price volatility and the relative safety of U.S. government securities -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The price (NAV) of the Fund will fluctuate depending on general changes in interest rates as well as changes in the yields of the specific securities in the Fund. General (or macro) changes in interest rates may be a result of economic developments or Federal Reserve policy. In general, the NAV of the Fund will rise when interest rates fall, and likewise, the NAV of the Fund will fall when interest rates rise. An objective of the Fund is to minimize NAV fluctuation by (a) maintaining the Fund average weighted maturity between three months and one year and (b) investing the Fund in U.S. government and agency securities. The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund invests primarily in short duration U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Agency securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, repurchase agreements, and other U.S. government mutual funds. The Fund normally expects to maintain an average effective maturity between three and twelve months. Individual purchases will generally be limited to securities with a maturity/average life of less than three years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Advisor attempts to maximize income by identifying securities that offer an acceptable yield for a given maturity. Most securities are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity. However, circumstances may warrant or require that securities be sold prior to maturity. [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than PROSPECTUS 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. The Fund is also subject to the risk that U.S. government debt securities may underperform other segments of the fixed income market or the fixed income market as a whole. Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and, therefore, to assess the volatility risk of that portfolio. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRUST SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.40% Shareholder Service Fee 0.25% Other Expenses 0.28%* ---- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.93%** * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.65% PROSPECTUS 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $95 $296 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser." 8 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK
FIXED INCOME RISK The market value of fixed income investments changes in response to interest ALL FUNDS rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. In addition to these fundamental risks, different types of fixed income securities may be subject to the following additional risks: CREDIT RISK -- The possibility that an issuer will be unable to make timely payments of either principal or interest. FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK Investments in securities of foreign companies or governments can be more ALL FUNDS volatile than investments in U.S. companies or governments. Diplomatic, political, or economic developments, including nationalization or appropriation, could affect investments in foreign countries. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign companies or governments generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic U.S. companies or governments. Transaction costs are generally higher than those in the U.S. and expenses for custodial arrangements of foreign securities may be somewhat greater than typical expenses for custodial arrangements of similar U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolio.
PROSPECTUS 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [MOUNTAIN ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS This prospectus describes the Funds' primary strategies, and the Funds will normally invest in the types of securities described in this prospectus. However, in addition to the investments and strategies described in this prospectus, each Fund also may invest in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this prospectus, are described in detail in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that the Funds use under normal conditions. During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and short-term obligations that would not ordinarily be consistent with a Fund's objectives. A Fund will do so only if the Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for higher income. Of course, a Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment goal. [MAGNIFYER ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT ADVISER The investment adviser (Adviser) makes investment decisions for the Funds and continuously reviews, supervises and administers each Fund's respective investment program. The Board of Trustees supervises the Adviser and establishes policies that the Adviser must follow in its management activities. Trusco Capital Management, Inc. (Trusco or the Adviser), 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, serves as the Adviser to the Funds. As of December 31, 2001, Trusco had in excess of $45 billion in assets under management. The Adviser may use its affiliates as brokers for Fund transactions. PORTFOLIO MANAGER Robert W. Corner has served as a Vice President of Trusco since September 1996. He has managed the Super Short Income Plus Fund and the U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund since each began operating in April 2002. He has more than 14 years of investment experience. [HANDSHAKE ICON OMITTED] PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES This section tells you how to purchase, sell (sometimes called "redeem") or exchange Trust Shares and Flex Shares of the Funds. HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES The Funds offer Trust Shares only to financial institutions or intermediaries, including subsidiaries of SunTrust Banks, Inc. (SunTrust), for their own or their customers' accounts for which they act as fiduciary, agent, investment adviser, or custodian. As a result, you, as a PROSPECTUS 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- customer of a financial institution may purchase Trust Shares through accounts made with financial institutions and potentially through the Investors' Advantage Account (an asset allocation account available through SunTrust Securities, Inc.). Trust Shares will be held of record by (in the name of) your financial institution. Depending upon the terms of your account, however, you may have, or be given, the right to vote your Trust Shares. The Funds may reject any purchase order if it is determined that accepting the order would not be in the best interests of the STI Classic Funds or its shareholders. WHEN CAN YOU PURCHASE SHARES? You may purchase shares on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business (a Business Day). The price per share (the offering price) will be the net asset value per share (NAV) next determined after the Funds receive your purchase order. Each Fund calculates its NAV once each Business Day at the regularly-scheduled close of normal trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). So, for you to receive the current Business Day's NAV, generally a Fund must receive your purchase order in proper form before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions. FOR CUSTOMERS OF SUNTRUST, ITS AFFILIATES, AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS YOU MAY HAVE TO TRANSMIT YOUR PURCHASE, SALE AND EXCHANGE REQUESTS TO SUNTRUST OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AT AN EARLIER TIME FOR YOUR TRANSACTION TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THAT DAY. THIS ALLOWS THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TIME TO PROCESS YOUR REQUEST AND TRANSMIT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OR TRANSFER AGENT IN TIME TO MEET THE ABOVE STATED FUND CUT-OFF TIMES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO PURCHASE, SELL OR EXCHANGE FUND SHARES, INCLUDING SPECIFIC SUNTRUST OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INTERNAL ORDER ENTRY CUT-OFF TIMES, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DIRECTLY. HOW THE FUNDS CALCULATE NAV In calculating NAV, a Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. If market prices are unavailable or a Fund thinks that they are unreliable, fair value prices may be determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board of Trustees. NET ASSET VALUE NAV for one Fund share is the value of that share's portion of the net assets of the Fund. MINIMUM PURCHASES To purchase shares for the first time, you must invest at least $500,000 in Trust Shares of any Fund. HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES You may sell your shares on any Business Day by contacting SunTrust or your financial institution. SunTrust or your financial institution will give you information about how to sell your shares including any specific cut-off times required. Holders of Trust Shares may sell shares by following the procedures established when they opened their account or accounts with the Funds or with their financial institution or PROSPECTUS 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- intermediary. The sale price of each share will be the next NAV determined after the Funds receive your request. RECEIVING YOUR MONEY Normally, the Funds will send your sale proceeds within five Business Days after a Fund receives your request, but may take up to seven days. REDEMPTIONS IN KIND The Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash. However, under unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise (and for the protection of the Funds' remaining shareholders) the Funds might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). It is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, but if they were you would probably have to pay transaction costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption. SUSPENSION OF YOUR RIGHT TO SELL YOUR SHARES A Fund may suspend your right to sell your shares if the New York Stock Exchange restricts trading, the SEC declares an emergency or for other reasons. More information about this is in the SAI. TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS Purchasing, selling and exchanging Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. Although the Fund has certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions, the Fund is not responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. If you or your financial institution transact with the Fund over the telephone, you will generally bear the risk of any loss. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Each Fund declares dividends daily and pays these dividends monthly. Each Fund makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If you own Fund shares on a Fund's record date, you will be entitled to receive the distribution. You will receive dividends and distributions in the form of additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive payment in cash. To elect cash payment, you must notify the Fund in writing prior to the date of the distribution. Your election will be effective for dividends and distributions paid after the Fund receives your written notice. To cancel your election, simply send the Fund written notice. PROSPECTUS 12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAXES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAXES PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES. Below the Funds have summarized some important tax issues that affect the Funds and their shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive from a Fund may be taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Income distributions are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Capital gains distributions are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. EACH SALE OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES MAY BE A TAXABLE EVENT. FOR TAX PURPOSES, AN EXCHANGE OF YOUR FUND SHARES FOR SHARES OF ANOTHER STI FUND IS THE SAME AS A SALE. If you have a tax-advantaged or other retirement account you will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gain distributions until you begin receiving your distributions from your retirement account. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the rules governing your own retirement plan. The Funds expect to distribute primarily ordinary income dividends. The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund expects that a substantial portion of Fund distributions will represent interest earned on U.S. obligations, while the Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund expects that some portion of the Funds' distribution will be so derived. Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject to certain limitations. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TAXES IS IN THE SAI. 13 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STI CLASSIC FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ADVISER Trusco Capital Management, Inc. 50 Hurt Plaza Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 DISTRIBUTOR SEI Investments Distribution Co. One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 LEGAL COUNSEL Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP More information about the Funds is available without charge through the following: STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) The SAI dated April 2, 2002, includes detailed information about the STI Classic Funds. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus. ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS These reports list each Fund's holdings and contain information from the Fund's managers about strategies and recent market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Funds. TO OBTAIN AN SAI, ANNUAL OR SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT, OR MORE INFORMATION: BY TELEPHONE: Call 1-800-428-6970 BY MAIL: Write to the Funds c/o SEI Investments Distribution Co. Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 FROM THE SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual reports, as well as other information about the STI Classic Funds, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website ("HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV"). You may review and copy documents at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 202-942-8090). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to: Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You may also obtain this information, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by emailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov. The STI Classic Funds' Investment Company Act registration number is 811-06557. STI CLASSIC FUNDS--BOND FUNDS FLEX SHARES PROSPECTUS APRIL 2, 2002 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE FUNDS: TRUSCO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. (THE "ADVISER") [STI LOGO OMITTED] THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The STI Classic Funds is a mutual fund family that offers shares in separate investment portfolios (Funds). The Funds have individual investment goals and strategies. This prospectus gives you important information about the Flex Shares of the Classic Institutional Bond Funds that you should know before investing. Please read this prospectus and keep it for future reference. THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN ARRANGED INTO DIFFERENT SECTIONS SO THAT YOU CAN EASILY REVIEW THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. ON THE NEXT PAGE, THERE IS SOME GENERAL INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RISK AND RETURN THAT IS COMMON TO EACH OF THE FUNDS. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND, PLEASE SEE: PAGE CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND..............2 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND................................6 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK.....................................9 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS........................10 INVESTMENT ADVISER ............................................10 PORTFOLIO MANAGER .............................................10 PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES.................10 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS....................................15 TAXES..........................................................17 HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STI CLASSIC FUNDS..........................................Back Cover -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING? [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES [MOUNTAIN ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS [MAGNIFYING ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT ADVISER [HANDSHAKE ICON OMITTED] PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES [DOLLAR ICON OMITTED] SALES CHARGES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APRIL 2, 2002 PROSPECTUS 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RISK/RETURN INFORMATION COMMON TO THE FUNDS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each Fund is a mutual fund. A mutual fund pools shareholders' money and, using professional investment managers, invests it in securities. Each Fund has its own investment goal and strategies for reaching that goal. The Adviser invests Fund assets in a way that it believes will help a Fund achieve its goal. Still, investing in each Fund involves risk and there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its goal. The Adviser's judgments about the markets, the economy or companies may not anticipate actual market movements, economic conditions or company performance, and these judgments may affect the return on your investment. In fact, no matter how good a job the Adviser does, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments. A Fund share is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency. The value of your investment in a Fund is based on the market prices of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities a Fund owns and the markets in which they trade. The effect on a Fund of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings. PROSPECTUS 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY INVESTMENT GOAL High current income consistent with preserving capital and maintaining liquidity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Short duration investment grade money market and fixed income securities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify short duration securities that offer a comparably better return potential and yield than money market funds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Conservative investors seeking to maximize income consistent with limited share price volatility ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund invests primarily in short duration, investment grade money market and fixed income securities including, but not limited to, U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, obligations of supranational entities and foreign governments, domestic and foreign corporate debt obligations, taxable municipal debt securities, mortgage backed and asset backed securities, repurchase agreements, and other mutual funds. The Fund normally expects to maintain an average effective maturity between three and twelve months. Individual purchases will generally be limited to securities with a maturity/average life of less than three years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to maximize income by identifying securities that offer an acceptable yield for a given level of credit risk and maturity. Most securities are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity. However, circumstances may warrant or require that securities be sold prior to maturity. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] The price (NAV) of the Fund will fluctuate depending on general changes in interest rates as well as changes in the yields of the specific securities in the Fund. General (or macro) changes in interest rates may be a result of economic developments or Federal Reserve policy. In general, the NAV of the Fund will rise when interest rates fall, and likewise, the NAV of the Fund will fall when interest rates rise. An objective of the Fund is to minimize NAV fluctuation by (a) maintaining the Fund average weighted maturity between three months and one year and (b) investing the Fund in U.S. government and agency securities. The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than PROSPECTUS 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. The Fund is also subject to the risk that short-term U.S. government debt securities may under perform other segments of the fixed income market or the fixed income market as a whole. Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the Fund of mortgage-backed securities, and therefore, to assess the volatility risk of the Fund. Investing in foreign countries poses additional risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen separately from and in response to events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. These various risks will be even greater for investments in emerging market countries since political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions are more likely to occur in these countries. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. PROSPECTUS 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLEX SHARES Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of net asset value)* 2.00% * This sales charge is imposed if you sell Flex Shares within one year of your PURCHASE AND DECREASES over time, depending on how long you own your shares. See "How To Sell Your Fund Shares." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLEX SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.50% Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.50% Other Expenses 0.40%* ------- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.40%** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.95% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: IF YOU SELL YOUR SHARES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $343 $443 PROSPECTUS 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IF YOU DO NOT SELL YOUR SHARES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $143 $443 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser" and "Distribution of Fund Shares." PROSPECTUS 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY INVESTMENT GOAL High current income consistent with preserving capital and maintaining liquidity -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Short duration U.S. government securities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify short duration U.S. government securities that offer a comparably better return potential and yield than money market funds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Conservative investors seeking to maximize income consistent with limited share price volatility and the relative safety of U.S. government securities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund invests primarily in short duration U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Agency securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, repurchase agreements, and other U.S. government mutual funds. The Fund normally expects to maintain an average effective maturity between three and twelve months. Individual purchases will generally be limited to securities with a maturity/average life of less than three years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to maximize income by identifying securities that offer an acceptable yield for a given maturity. Most securities are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity. However, circumstances may warrant or require that securities be sold prior to maturity. [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? The price (NAV) of the Fund will fluctuate depending on general changes in interest rates as well as changes in the yields of the specific securities in the Fund. General (or macro) changes in interest rates may be a result of economic developments or Federal Reserve policy. In general, the NAV of the Fund will rise when interest rates fall, and likewise, the NAV of the Fund will fall when interest rates rise. An objective of the Fund is to minimize NAV fluctuation by (a) maintaining the Fund average weighted maturity between three months and one year and (b) investing the Fund in U.S. government and agency securities. The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than PROSPECTUS 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. The Fund is also subject to the risk that U.S. government debt securities may underperform other segments of the fixed income market or the fixed income market as a whole. Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and, therefore, to assess the volatility risk of that portfolio. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLEX SHARES Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of net asset value)* 2.00% *THIS SALES CHARGE IS IMPOSED IF YOU SELL FLEX SHARES WITHIN ONE YEAR OF YOUR PURCHASE AND DECREASES OVER TIME, DEPENDING ON HOW LONG YOU OWN YOUR SHARES. SEE "HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES." PROSPECTUS 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLEX SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.40% Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.40% Other Expenses 0.40%* ------- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.20%** * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.92% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: IF YOU SELL YOUR SHARES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $322 $381 IF YOU DO NOT SELL YOUR SHARES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $122 $381 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser" and "Distribution of Fund Shares." PROSPECTUS 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK
FIXED INCOME RISK The market value of fixed income investments changes in response to interest ALL FUNDS rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. In addition to these fundamental risks, different types of fixed income securities may be subject to the following additional risks: CREDIT RISK -- The possibility that an issuer will be unable to make timely payments of either principal or interest. FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK Investments in securities of foreign companies or governments can be more ALL FUNDS volatile than investments in U.S. companies or governments. Diplomatic, political, or economic developments, including nationalization or appropriation, could affect investments in foreign countries. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign companies or governments generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic U.S. companies or governments. Transaction costs are generally higher than those in the U.S. and expenses for custodial arrangements of foreign securities may be somewhat greater than typical expenses for custodial arrangements of similar U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolio.
PROSPECTUS 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [MOUNTAIN ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS This prospectus describes the Funds' primary strategies, and the Funds will normally invest in the types of securities described in this prospectus. However, in addition to the investments and strategies described in this prospectus, each Fund also may invest in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this prospectus, are described in detail in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that the Funds use under normal conditions. During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and short-term obligations that would not ordinarily be consistent with a Fund's objectives. In addition, each Fund may shorten its average weighted maturity to as little as 90 days. A Fund will do so only if the Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for higher income. Of course, a Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment goal. [MAGNIFYING GLASS ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT ADVISER The investment adviser (Adviser) makes investment decisions for the Funds and continuously reviews, supervises and administers each Fund's respective investment program. The Board of Trustees supervises the Adviser and establishes policies that the Adviser must follow in its management activities. Trusco Capital Management, Inc. (Trusco or the Adviser), 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, serves as the Adviser to the Funds. As of December 31, 2001, Trusco had in excess of $45 billion in assets under management. The Adviser may use its affiliates as brokers for Fund transactions. PORTFOLIO MANAGER Ms. Agnes G. Pampush, CFA, has served as a Managing Director of Trusco since July 2000, after serving as a Vice President of Trusco since 1998. Ms. Pampush was employed by Trusco from 1988 to 1996, and rejoined the firm in 1998. She has managed the Short-Term Bond Fund since it began operating in April 2002. She has more than 19 years of investment experience. Robert W. Corner has served as a Vice President of Trusco since September 1996. He has managed the Super Short Income Plus Fund and the U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund since each began operating in April 2002. He has more than 14 years of investment experience. [HANDSHAKE ICON OMITTED] PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES This section tells you how to purchase, sell (sometimes called "redeem") or exchange Flex Shares of the Funds. PROSPECTUS 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES A SunTrust Securities Investment Consultant can assist you in opening a brokerage account which will be used for all transactions regarding the purchase of STI Classic Funds. Once your account is established, you may buy shares of the Funds by: o Mail o Telephone (1-800-874-4770) o Wire o Automated Clearing House (ACH) You may also buy shares through investment representatives of certain correspondent banks of SunTrust Banks, Inc. (SunTrust) and other financial institutions that are authorized to place transactions in Fund shares for their customers. Please contact your financial institution directly and follow its procedures for Fund share transactions. Your broker or institution may charge a fee for its services, in addition to the fees charged by a Fund. You will also generally have to address your correspondence or questions regarding a Fund to your institution. A Fund may reject any purchase order if it is determined that accepting the order would not be in the best interests of STI Classic Funds or its shareholders. WHEN CAN YOU PURCHASE SHARES? You may purchase shares on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business (a Business Day). The price per share (the offering price) will be the net asset value per share (NAV) next determined after the Funds receive your purchase order. Each Fund calculates its NAV once each Business Day at the regularly-scheduled close of normal trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). So, for you to receive the current Business Day's NAV, generally a Fund must receive your purchase order in proper form before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions. FOR CUSTOMERS OF SUNTRUST, ITS AFFILIATES, AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS YOU MAY HAVE TO TRANSMIT YOUR PURCHASE, SALE AND EXCHANGE REQUESTS TO SUNTRUST OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AT AN EARLIER TIME FOR YOUR TRANSACTION TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THAT DAY. THIS ALLOWS THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TIME TO PROCESS YOUR REQUEST AND TRANSMIT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OR TRANSFER AGENT IN TIME TO MEET THE ABOVE STATED FUND CUT-OFF TIMES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO PURCHASE, SELL OR EXCHANGE FUND SHARES, INCLUDING SPECIFIC SUNTRUST OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INTERNAL ORDER ENTRY CUT-OFF TIMES, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DIRECTLY. HOW THE FUNDS CALCULATE NAV In calculating NAV, a Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. If market prices are unavailable or a Fund thinks that they are unreliable, fair value prices may be determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board of Trustees. PROSPECTUS 12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSET VALUE NAV for one Fund share is the value of that share's portion of the net assets of the Fund. MINIMUM PURCHASES To purchase shares for the first time, you must invest at least $5,000 ($2,000 for retirement plans) in Flex Shares of any Fund. Your subsequent investments in any Fund must be made in amounts of at least $1,000 or, if you pay by a statement coupon, $100. A Fund may accept investments of smaller amounts for either class of shares at its discretion. FUNDLINK FUNDLINK is a telephone activated service that allows you to transfer money quickly and easily between the STI Classic Funds and your SunTrust bank account(s). To use FUNDLINK, you must first contact your SunTrust Bank Investment Consultant and complete the FUNDLINK application and authorization agreements. Once you have signed up to use FUNDLINK, simply call SunTrust at 1-800-874-4770 to complete all of your purchase and redemption transactions.] SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN If you have a checking or savings account with a SunTrust affiliate bank, you may purchase shares of either class automatically through regular deductions from your account. With a $500 minimum initial investment, you may begin regularly-scheduled investments from $50 to $100,000 once or twice a month. If you are buying Flex Shares, you should plan on investing at least $5,000 per Fund during the first two years. The Distributor may close your account if you do not meet this minimum investment requirement at the end of two years.] [DOLLAR ICON OMITTED] SALES CHARGES CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC) You do not pay a sales charge when you purchase Flex Shares. The offering price of Flex Shares is simply the next calculated NAV. But if you sell your shares within the first year after your purchase, you will pay a CDSC equal to 2.00% for either (1) the NAV of the shares at the time of purchase, or (2) NAV of the shares next calculated after the Fund receives your sale request, whichever is less. The sales charge does not apply to shares you purchase through reinvestment of dividends or distributions. So, you never pay a deferred sales charge on any increase in your investment above the initial offering price. This sales charge does not apply to exchanges of Flex Shares of one Fund for Flex Shares of another Fund. PROSPECTUS 13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CDSC will be waived if you sell your Flex Shares for the following reasons: o to make certain withdrawals from a retirement plan (not including IRAs); o because of death or disability; o for certain payments under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (which is discussed later); or o for exchanges from Trust or Investor Shares to Flex Shares where the total accumulated period from the original date of purchase is at least one year. HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES If you own your shares through a brokerage account with SunTrust, you may sell your shares on any Business Day by contacting SunTrust Securities directly by mail or telephone at 1-800-874-4770. The minimum amount for telephone redemptions is $1,000. If you own your shares through an account with a broker or other institution, contact that broker or institution to sell your shares. If you would like to sell $25,000 or more of your shares, please notify the Fund in writing and include a signature guarantee by a bank or other financial institution (a notarized signature is not sufficient). The sale price of each share will be the next NAV determined after the Fund receives your request less any applicable deferred sales charge. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN If you have at least $10,000 in your account, you may use the systematic withdrawal plan. Under the plan you may arrange monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual automatic withdrawals of at least $50 from any Fund. The proceeds of each withdrawal will be mailed to you by check or, if you have a checking or savings account with a SunTrust affiliates bank, electronically transferred to your account. RECEIVING YOUR MONEY Normally, the Funds will send your sale proceeds within five Business Days after a Fund receives your request, but may take up to seven days. Your proceeds can be wired to your bank account (subject to a $7.00 fee) or sent to you by check. IF YOU RECENTLY PURCHASED YOUR SHARES BY CHECK OR THROUGH ACH, REDEMPTION PROCEEDS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL YOUR CHECK HAS CLEARED (WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO 15 BUSINESS DAYS). REDEMPTIONS IN KIND The Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash. However, under unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise (and for the protection of the Funds' remaining shareholders) the Funds might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). It is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, but if they were you would probably have to pay transaction costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption. PROSPECTUS 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING, SELLING AND EXCHANGING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVOLUNTARY SALES OF YOUR SHARES If your account balance drops below $5,000 due to redemptions you may be required to sell your shares. But, the Funds will always give you at least 60 days written notice to give you time to add to your account and avoid the sale of your shares. SUSPENSION OF YOUR RIGHT TO SELL YOUR SHARES A Fund may suspend your right to sell your shares if the New York Stock Exchange restricts trading, the SEC declares an emergency or for other reasons. More information about this is in the SAI. HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES You may exchange your shares on any Business Day by contacting SunTrust Securities or your financial institution by mail or telephone. Exchange requests must be for an amount of at least $1,000. The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short-term trading. Excessive exchange activity may interfere with Fund management and may have an adverse effect on all shareholders. In order to limit excessive exchange activity and in other circumstances where it is in the best interests of a Fund, all Funds reserve the right to revise or terminate the exchange privilege, limit the amount or number of exchanges or reject any exchange. Currently, you may exchange your shares up to four times during a calendar year. If you exchange your shares more than four times during a year, you may be charged a $10.00 fee for each additional exchange. You will be notified before any fee is charged. IF YOU RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES BY CHECK OR THROUGH ACH, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES UNTIL YOUR CHECK HAS CLEARED (WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO 15 BUSINESS DAYS). This exchange privilege may be changed or canceled at any time upon 60 days notice. EXCHANGES When you exchange shares, you are really selling your shares and buying other Fund shares. So, your sale price and purchase price will be based on the NAV next calculated after the Fund(s) receives your exchange request. You may exchange Flex Shares of any Fund for Flex Shares of any other Fund. Again, the CDSC will be computed as of the original date of purchase. TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS Purchasing, selling and exchanging Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. Although the Fund has certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions, the Fund is not responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. If you or your financial institution transact with the Fund over the telephone, you will generally bear the risk of any loss. PROSPECTUS 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES Each Fund has adopted a distribution plan that allows the Fund to pay distribution and service fees for the sale and distribution of its shares, and for services provided to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of a Fund's assets continuously, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Distribution fees, as a percentage of average daily net assets. For Flex Shares, the maximum distribution fee is 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Super Short Income Plus Fund and 0.40% of the Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund. The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive programs for dealers, which will be paid for by the Distributor from any sales charge it receives or from any other source available to it. Under any such program, the Distributor may provide cash or non-cash compensation as recognition for past sales or encouragement for future sales that may include the following: merchandise, travel expenses, prizes, meals, and lodgings, and gifts that do not exceed $100 per year, per individual. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Each Fund declares dividends daily and pays these dividends monthly. Each Fund makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If you own Fund shares on a Fund's record date, you will be entitled to receive the distribution. You will receive dividends and distributions in the form of additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive payment in cash. To elect cash payment, you must notify the Fund in writing prior to the date of the distribution. Your election will be effective for dividends and distributions paid after the Fund receives your written notice. To cancel your election, simply send the Fund written notice. TAXES PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES. Below the Funds have summarized some important tax issues that affect the Funds and their shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive from a Fund may be taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Income distributions are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Capital gains distributions are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. EACH SALE OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES MAY BE A TAXABLE EVENT. FOR TAX PURPOSES, AN EXCHANGE OF YOUR FUND SHARES FOR SHARES OF ANOTHER STI FUND IS THE SAME AS A SALE. PROSPECTUS 16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAXES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have a tax-advantaged or other retirement account you will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gain distributions until you begin receiving your distributions from your retirement account. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the rules governing your own retirement plan. The Funds expect to distribute primarily ordinary income dividends. The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund expects that a substantial portion of Fund distributions will represent interest earned on U.S. obligations, while the Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund expects that some portion of the Funds' distribution will be so derived. Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject to certain limitations. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TAXES IS IN THE SAI. PROSPECTUS 17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STI CLASSIC FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ADVISER Trusco Capital Management, Inc. 50 Hurt Plaza Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 DISTRIBUTOR SEI Investments Distribution Co. One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 LEGAL COUNSEL Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP More information about the Funds is available without charge through the following: STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) The SAI dated April 2, 2002, includes detailed information about the STI Classic Funds. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus. ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS These reports list each Fund's holdings and contain information from the Fund's managers about strategies and recent market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Funds. TO OBTAIN AN SAI, ANNUAL OR SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT, OR MORE INFORMATION: BY TELEPHONE: Call 1-800-428-6970 BY MAIL: Write to the Funds c/o SEI Investments Distribution Co. Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 FROM THE SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual reports, as well as other information about the STI Classic Funds, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website ("HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV"). You may review and copy documents at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 202-942-8090). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to: Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You may also obtain this information, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by emailing the SEC at the following address: PUBLICINFO@SEC.GOV. The STI Classic Funds' Investment Company Act registration number is 811-06557. STI CLASSIC FUNDS-BOND FUNDS INSTITUTIONAL SHARES PROSPECTUS APRIL 2, 2002 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SHORT-TERM BOND FUND CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE FUNDS: TRUSCO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. (THE "ADVISER") THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The STI Classic Funds is a mutual fund family that offers shares in separate investment portfolios (Funds). The Funds have individual investment goals and strategies. This prospectus gives you important information about the Institutional Shares of the Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund, Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund, and Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund that you should know before investing. Please read this prospectus and keep it for future reference. THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN ARRANGED INTO DIFFERENT SECTIONS SO THAT YOU CAN EASILY REVIEW THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. ON THE NEXT PAGE, THERE IS SOME GENERAL INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RISK AND RETURN THAT IS COMMON TO EACH OF THE FUNDS. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND, PLEASE SEE: PAGE CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SHORT-TERM BOND FUND ...........................2 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND ...................5 CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND .....................................8 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK .........................................11 MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS .............................12 INVESTMENT ADVISER ..................................................12 PORTFOLIO MANAGERS ..................................................12 PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES ..................................13 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS .........................................15 TAXES ...............................................................15 HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STI CLASSIC FUNDS ...............................................16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING? [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK [MOUNTAIN ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS [MAGNIFYING ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT ADVISER [HANDSHAKE ICON OMITTED] PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 2, 2002 PROSPECTUS 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RISK/RETURN INFORMATION COMMON TO THE FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each Fund is a mutual fund. A mutual fund pools shareholders' money and, using professional investment managers, invests it in securities. Each Fund has its own investment goal and strategies for reaching that goal. The Adviser invests Fund assets in a way that it believes will help a Fund achieve its goal. Still, investing in each Fund involves risk and there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its goal. The Adviser's judgments about the markets, the economy or companies may not anticipate actual market movements, economic conditions or company performance, and these judgments may affect the return on your investment. In fact, no matter how good a job the Adviser does, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments. A Fund share is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency. The value of your investment in a Fund (other than a money market fund) is based on the market prices of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities a Fund owns and the markets in which they trade. The effect on a Fund of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings. 2 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SHORT-TERM BOND FUND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY INVESTMENT GOAL High current income, while preserving capital ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Investment grade U.S. government and corporate debt securities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify securities that offer a comparably better return than similar securities for a given level of credit risk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Income oriented investors who are willing to accept increased risk for the possibility of returns greater than money market investing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of short- to medium-term investment grade U.S. Treasury, corporate debt, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The Fund expects that it will normally maintain an average weighted maturity of approximately 3 years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to identify securities that offer a comparably better investment return for a given level of credit risk. For example, short-term bonds generally have better returns than money market instruments, with a fairly modest increase in credit risk and/or volatility. The Adviser manages the Fund from a total return perspective. That is, the Adviser makes day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund with a view towards maximizing returns. The Adviser analyzes yields, market sectors and credit risk in an effort to identify attractive investments with the best risk/reward trade-off. Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and additional capital gains tax liabilities. [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans or underlying assets such as truck and auto loans, leases and credit card receivables. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loan, receivables or other assets underlying these securities. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in PROSPECTUS 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SHORT-TERM BOND FUND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed or asset-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in the market place. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayment or prepayment of the underlying asset that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the portfolio of mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities and, therefore, to assess the volatility risk of that portfolio. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSTITUTIONAL SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.60% Shareholder Service Fee 0.25% Other Expenses 0.22%* ---- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.07%** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund 0.57% 4 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT BOND FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $112 $350 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser." PROSPECTUS 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY INVESTMENT GOAL High current income consistent with preserving capital and maintaining liquidity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Short duration investment grade money market and fixed income securities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify short duration securities that offer a comparably better return potential and yield than money market funds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Conservative investors seeking to maximize income consistent with limited share price volatility ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund invests primarily in short duration, investment grade money market and fixed income securities including, but not limited to, U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, obligations of supranational entities and foreign governments, domestic and foreign corporate debt obligations, taxable municipal debt securities, mortgage backed and asset backed securities, repurchase agreements, and other mutual funds. The Fund normally expects to maintain an average effective maturity between three and twelve months. Individual purchases will generally be limited to securities with a maturity/average life of less than three years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to maximize income by identifying securities that offer an acceptable yield for a given level of credit risk and maturity. Most securities are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity. However, circumstances may warrant or require that securities be sold prior to maturity. [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? The price (NAV) of the Fund will fluctuate depending on general changes in interest rates as well as changes in the yields of the specific securities in the Fund. General (or macro) changes in interest rates may be a result of economic developments or Federal Reserve policy. In general, the NAV of the Fund will rise when interest rates fall, and likewise, the NAV of the Fund will fall when interest rates rise. An objective of the Fund is to minimize NAV fluctuation by (a) maintaining the Fund average weighted maturity between three months and one year and (b) investing the Fund in U.S. government and agency securities. The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. 6 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fund is also subject to the risk that short-term U.S. government debt securities may underperform other segments of the fixed income market or the fixed income market as a whole. Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the Fund of mortgage-backed securities, and therefore, to assess the volatility risk of the Fund. Investing in foreign countries poses additional risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are generally denominated in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of a Fund's investments. These currency movements may happen separately from and in response to events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer's home country. These various risks will be even greater for investments in emerging market countries since political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions are more likely to occur in these countries. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. PROSPECTUS 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSTITUTIONAL SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.50% Shareholder Service Fee 0.25% Other Expenses 0.16%* ---- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.91%** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.36% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $93 $290 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser." 8 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [BRIEFCASE ICON OMITTED] FUND SUMMARY INVESTMENT GOAL High current income consistent with preserving capital and maintaining liquidity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT FOCUS Short duration U.S. government securities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY Low ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY Attempts to identify short duration U.S. government securities that offer a comparably better return potential and yield than money market funds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTOR PROFILE Conservative investors seeking to maximize income consistent with limited share price volatility and the relative safety of U.S. government securities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [TELESCOPE ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund invests primarily in short duration U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Agency securities, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities, repurchase agreements, and other U.S. government mutual funds. The Fund normally expects to maintain an average effective maturity between three and twelve months. Individual purchases will generally be limited to securities with a maturity/average life of less than three years. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Advisor attempts to maximize income by identifying securities that offer an acceptable yield for a given maturity. Most securities are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity. However, circumstances may warrant or require that securities be sold prior to maturity. [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND? The price (NAV) of the Fund will fluctuate depending on general changes in interest rates as well as changes in the yields of the specific securities in the Fund. General (or macro) changes in interest rates may be a result of economic developments or Federal Reserve policy. In general, the NAV of the Fund will rise when interest rates fall, and likewise, the NAV of the Fund will fall when interest rates rise. An objective of the Fund is to minimize NAV fluctuation by (a) maintaining the Fund average weighted maturity between three months and one year and (b) investing the Fund in U.S. government and agency securities. The prices of the Fund's fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk. PROSPECTUS 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fund is also subject to the risk that U.S. government debt securities may underperform other segments of the fixed income market or the fixed income market as a whole. Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average maturity of the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and, therefore, to assess the volatility risk of that portfolio. Although the Fund's U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency's own resources. [BULLSEYE ICON OMITTED] PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund commenced operations on April 1, 2002, and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. [COINS ICON OMITTED] FUND FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the Fund's fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSTITUTIONAL SHARES Investment Advisory Fees 0.40% Shareholder Service Fee 0.25% Other Expenses 0.18%* ---- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.83%** * OTHER EXPENSES ARE BASED ON ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. ** THE FUND'S TOTAL ACTUAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE BECAUSE THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR INTEND TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THE FEES IN ORDER TO KEEP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AT A SPECIFIED LEVEL. THESE FEE WAIVERS REMAIN IN PLACE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, BUT THE ADVISER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY DISCONTINUE ALL OR PART OF THESE WAIVERS AT ANY TIME. WITH THESE FEE WAIVERS, THE FUND'S ACTUAL TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.30% 10 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses remain the same and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing $10,000 in the Fund would be: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS $85 $265 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND EXPENSES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every mutual fund has operating expenses to pay for professional advisory, shareholder, distribution, administration and custody services. The Fund's expenses in the table above are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. These expenses are deducted from Fund assets. For more information about these fees, see "Investment Adviser." PROSPECTUS 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [LIFE PRESERVER ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RISK FIXED INCOME RISK -- The market value of fixed income investments All Funds changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. In addition to these fundamental risks, different types of fixed income securities may be subject to the following additional risks: CREDIT RISK - The possibility that an issuer will be unable to make timely payments of either principal or interest. FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK - Investments in securities of foreign All Funds companies or governments can be more volatile than investments in U.S. companies or governments. Diplomatic, political, or economic developments, including nationalization or appropriation, could affect investments in foreign countries. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign companies or governments generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic U.S. companies or governments. Transaction costs are generally higher than those in the U.S. and expenses for custodial arrangements of foreign securities may be somewhat greater than typical expenses for custodial arrangements of similar U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolio. 12 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [MOUNTAIN ICON OMITTED] MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS This prospectus describes the Funds' primary strategies, and the Funds will normally invest in the types of securities described in this prospectus. However, in addition to the investments and strategies described in this prospectus, each Fund also may invest in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this prospectus, are described in detail in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that the Funds use under normal conditions. During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, money market instruments, repurchase agreements and short-term obligations that would not ordinarily be consistent with a Fund's objectives. In addition, each Fund may shorten its average weighted maturity to as little as 90 days. A Fund will do so only if the Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for higher income. Of course, a Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment goal. [MAGNIFYING ICON OMITTED] INVESTMENT ADVISER The investment adviser (Adviser) makes investment decisions for the Funds and continuously reviews, supervises and administers each Fund's respective investment program. The Board of Trustees supervises the Adviser and establishes policies that the Adviser must follow in its management activities. Trusco Capital Management, Inc. (Trusco or the Adviser), 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, serves as the Adviser to the Funds. As of December 31, 2001, Trusco had in excess of $45 billion in assets under management. The Adviser may use its affiliates as brokers for fund transactions. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS Ms. Agnes G. Pampush, CFA, has served as a Managing Director of Trusco since July 2000, after serving as a Vice President of Trusco since 1998. Ms. Pampush was employed by Trusco from 1988 to 1996, and rejoined the firm in 1998. She has managed the Short-Term Bond Fund since it began operating in April 2002. She has more than 19 years of investment experience. Robert W. Corner has served as a Vice President of Trusco since September 1996. He has managed the Super Short Income Plus Fund and the U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund since each began operating in April 2002. He has more than 14 years of investment experience. PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES This section tells you how to purchase and sell (sometimes called "redeem") Institutional Shares of the Funds. PROSPECTUS 13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [HANDSHAKE ICON OMITTED] PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES HOW TO PURCHASE FUND SHARES The Funds offer Institutional Shares primarily to various institutional investors, including subsidiaries of SunTrust Banks, Inc. (SunTrust), for their own or their customers' accounts for which they act as fiduciary, agent, investment adviser, or custodian. Shares are sold without a sales charge, although institutions may charge their customers for services provided in connection with the purchase of shares. Institutional shares will be held of record by (in the name of) your institution. Depending upon the terms of your account, however, you may have, or be given, the right to vote your Institutional Shares. The Funds may reject any purchase order if it is determined that accepting the order would not be in the best interest of the STI Classic Funds or its shareholders. WHEN CAN YOU PURCHASE SHARES? You may purchase shares on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business (a Business Day). But you may not purchase shares of the Money Market Funds on federal holidays. The price per share (the offering price) will be the net asset value per share (NAV) next determined after the Funds receive your purchase order. Each Fund calculates its NAV once each Business Day at the regularly-scheduled close of normal trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). So, for you to receive the current Business Day's NAV for each Fund, generally a Fund must receive your purchase order in proper form before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions. FOR CUSTOMERS OF SUNTRUST, ITS AFFILIATES, AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS YOU MAY HAVE TO TRANSMIT YOUR PURCHASE AND SALE REQUESTS TO SUNTRUST OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AT AN EARLIER TIME FOR YOUR TRANSACTION TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THAT DAY. THIS ALLOWS THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TIME TO PROCESS YOUR REQUEST AND TRANSMIT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OR TRANSFER AGENT IN TIME TO MEET THE ABOVE STATED FUND CUT-OFF TIMES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO PURCHASE OR SELL FUND SHARES, INCLUDING SPECIFIC SUNTRUST OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INTERNAL ORDER ENTRY CUT-OFF TIMES, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DIRECTLY. HOW THE FUNDS CALCULATE NAV In calculating NAV, a Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. If market prices are unavailable or a Fund thinks that the market price or amortized cost valuation method is unreliable during certain market conditions or for other reasons, fair value prices may be determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board of Trustees. NET ASSET VALUE NAV for one Fund share is the value of that share's portion of the net assets of the Fund. MINIMUM PURCHASE To purchase shares for the first time, you must invest at least $1,000,000 in Institutional Shares of any Fund. 14 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PURCHASING AND SELLING FUND SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO SELL YOUR FUND SHARES You may sell your shares on any Business Day by contacting SunTrust or your financial institution. SunTrust or your financial institution will give you information about how to sell your shares including any specific cut-off times required. Holders of Institutional Shares may sell shares by following the procedures established when they opened their account or accounts with the Funds or with their financial institution or intermediary. The sale price of each share will be the next NAV determined after the Funds receive your request. RECEIVING YOUR MONEY Normally, the Funds will send your sales proceeds within five Business Days after a Fund receives your request, but it may take up to seven days. REDEMPTIONS IN KIND The Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash. However, under unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise (and for the protection of the Fund's remaining shareholders) a Fund might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). It is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, but if they were you would probably have to pay transaction costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption. SUSPENSION OF YOUR RIGHT TO SELL YOUR SHARES A Fund may suspend your right to sell your shares if the New York Stock Exchange restricts trading, the SEC declares an emergency or for other reasons. More information about this is in the SAI. TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS Purchasing and selling Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. Although the Funds have certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions, the Funds are not responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions the Fund reasonably believe to be genuine. If you or your financial institution transact with the Fund over the telephone, you will generally bear the risk of any loss. PROSPECTUS 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Each Fund declares dividends daily and pays these dividends monthly. Each Fund makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If you own Fund shares on a Fund's record date, you will be entitled to receive the distribution. You will receive dividends and distributions in the form of additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive payment in cash. To elect cash payment, you must notify the Funds in writing prior to the date of the distribution. Your election will be effective for dividends and distributions paid after the Funds receive your written notice. To cancel your election, simply send the Funds written notice. TAXES PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES. Below the Funds have summarized some important tax issues that affect the Funds and their shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive from a Fund may be taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Income distributions are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Capital gains distributions are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. EACH SALE OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES MAY BE A TAXABLE EVENT. FOR TAX PURPOSES, AN EXCHANGE OF YOUR FUND SHARES FOR SHARES OF ANOTHER STI FUND IS TREATED THE SAME AS A SALE. If you have a tax-advantaged or other retirement account you will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gain distributions until you begin receiving your distributions from your retirement account. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the rules governing your own retirement plan. Except for those certain Funds that expect to distribute federally tax-exempt income (described above), the Funds expect to distribute primarily ordinary income dividends. The Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund and the Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund each expect that a substantial portion of Fund distributions will represent interest earned on U.S. obligations, while the Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund expects that some portion of each Funds' distribution will be so derived. Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject to certain limitations. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TAXES IS IN THE SAI. 16 PROSPECTUS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASSIC FUNDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT ADVISER Trusco Capital Management, Inc. 50 Hurt Plaza Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 DISTRIBUTOR SEI Investments Distribution Co. One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 LEGAL COUNSEL Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP More information about the Funds is available without charge through the following: STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) The SAI dated April 2, 2002, includes detailed information about the STI Classic Funds. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus. ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS These reports list each Fund's holdings and contain information from the Funds' managers about strategies and recent market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Funds. TO OBTAIN AN SAI, ANNUAL OR SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT, OR MORE INFORMATION: BY TELEPHONE: Call 1-800-428-6970 BY MAIL: Write to the Funds c/o SEI Investments Distribution Co. Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 FROM THE SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual reports, as well as other information about the STI Classic Funds, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website ("HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV"). You may review and copy documents at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 202-942-8090). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to: Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You may also obtain this information, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: PUBLICINFO@SEC.GOV. The STI Classic Funds' Investment Company Act registration number is 811-06557. STI CLASSIC FUNDS CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SHORT-TERM BOND FUND CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND CLASSIC INSTITUTIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SUPER SHORT INCOME PLUS FUND INVESTMENT ADVISER: TRUSCO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It is intended to provide additional information regarding the on activities and operations of the STI Classic Funds' (the "Trust") Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund, Classic Institutional on Super Short Income Plus Fund, and the Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund (the "Funds") and should be read in conjunction with the Funds' prospectuses dated April 2, 2002. Prospectuses may be obtained through the on Distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co (the "Distributor"), One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. TABLE OF CONTENTS THE TRUST .................................................................. S-1 DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS ....................................... S-1 INVESTMENT POLICIES ........................................................S-16 INVESTMENT ADVISER .........................................................S-17 THE ADMINISTRATOR ..........................................................S-18 THE DISTRIBUTOR ............................................................S-19 THE TRANSFER AGENT .........................................................S-20 THE CUSTODIAN ..............................................................S-20 CODES OF ETHICS ............................................................S-21 INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS .............................................S-21 LEGAL COUNSEL ..............................................................S-21 TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST .........................................S-21 PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ....................................................S-23 COMPUTATION OF YIELD .......................................................S-24 CALCULATION OF TOTAL RETURN ................................................S-24 PURCHASING SHARES ..........................................................S-24 REDEEMING SHARES ...........................................................S-24 DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE ...........................................S-25 TAXES ......................................................................S-26 FUND TRANSACTIONS ..........................................................S-28 TRADING PRACTICES AND BROKERAGE ............................................S-28 DESCRIPTION OF SHARES ......................................................S-30 SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY ......................................................S-30 LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES' LIABILITY ..........................................S-30 APPENDIX A-1 ................................................................A-1 -i- THE TRUST STI Classic Funds (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company established under Massachusetts law as a Massachusetts business trust under a Declaration of Trust dated January 15, 1992. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate series (each a "Fund" and collectively, the Each share of each Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in that Fund. See "Description of Shares." This Statement of Additional Information relates to shares of the Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund, which are offered through a single class (Institutional shares) and the Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund and Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund, which are offered through three separate classes (Institutional, Trust and Flex shares). The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation material and reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services, and registering the shares under federal and state securities laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges, taxes, and organization expenses. DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES Asset-backed securities are securities backed by non-mortgage assets such as company receivables, truck and auto loans, leases and credit card receivables. Other asset-backed securities may be created in the future. These securities may be traded over-the-counter and typically have a short-intermediate maturity structure depending on the pay down characteristics of the underlying financial assets which are passed through to the security holder. These securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates, which represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the underlying pool of assets. Asset-backed securities may also be debt obligations, which are known as collateralized obligations and are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity, such as a trust, organized solely for the purpose of owning these assets and issuing debt obligations. Asset-backed securities are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; however, the payment of principal and interest on such obligations may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and, for a certain period, by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution (such as a bank or insurance company) unaffiliated with the issuers of such securities. The purchase of asset-backed securities raises risk considerations peculiar to the financing of the instruments underlying such securities. For example, there is a risk that another party could acquire an interest in the obligations superior to that of the holders of the asset-backed securities. There also is the possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on those securities. Asset-backed securities entail prepayment risk, which may vary depending on the type of asset, but is generally less than the prepayment risk associated with mortgage-backed securities. In addition, credit card receivables are unsecured obligations of the card holder. The market for asset-backed securities is at a relatively early stage of development. Accordingly, there may be a limited secondary market for these securities. -1- BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES Bankers' acceptances are bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Bankers' acceptances are used by corporations to finance the shipment and storage of goods. Maturities are generally six months or less. BANK OBLIGATIONS Bank obligations are short-term obligations issued by U.S. and foreign banks, including bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit, custodial receipts, and time deposits. Eurodollar and Yankee Bank Obligations are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit or time deposits issued outside the U.S. by foreign branches of U.S. banks or by foreign banks. CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT Certificates of deposit are interest bearing instruments with a specific maturity. They are issued by banks and savings and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Certificates of deposit with penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid. COMMERCIAL PAPER Commercial paper is a term used to describe unsecured short-term promissory notes issued by banks, municipalities, corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few to 270 days. CORPORATE BONDS Debt instruments issued by a private corporation, as distinct from one issued by a governmental agency or municipality. Corporate bonds generally have the following features: (1) they are taxable; (2) they have a par value of $1,000; and (3) they have term maturity. They are sometimes traded on major exchanges. CUSTODIAL RECEIPTS The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. Receipts include Treasury Receipts ("TRs"), Treasury Investment Growth Receipts ("TIGRs"), and Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities ("CATS"). TRs, TIGRs and CATS are sold as zero coupon securities. DEBT SECURITIES Debt securities represent money borrowed that obligates the issuer (E.G., a corporation, municipality, government, government agency) to repay the borrowed amount at maturity (when the obligation is due and payable) and usually to pay the holder interest at specific times (E.G., bonds, notes, debentures). DOLLAR ROLLS Dollar rolls are transactions in which securities are sold for delivery in the current month and the seller contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. Any difference between the sale price and the purchase price (plus interest earned on the cash proceeds of the sale) is applied against the past interest income on the securities sold to arrive at an implied borrowing rate. -2- Dollar rolls may be renewed prior to cash settlement and initially may involve only a firm commitment agreement by the Fund to buy a security. If the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to repurchase the security may be restricted. Other risks involved in entering into dollar rolls include the risk that the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the dollar roll and that the security the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the security that the Fund originally held. To avoid any leveraging concerns, the Fund will place U.S. government or other liquid, high grade assets in a segregated account in an amount sufficient to cover its repurchase obligation. EURO-DENOMINATED SECURITIES Effective January 1, 1999, 11 of the 15 member states of the European Union introduced the "euro" as a common currency. During a three-year transitional period, the euro will coexist with each member state's currency. By July 1, 2002, the euro will have replaced the national currencies of the following member countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. During the transition period, each Fund will treat the euro as a separate currency from that of any member state. Currently, the exchange rate of the currencies of each of these countries is fixed to the euro. The euro trades on currency exchanges and is available for non-cash transactions. The participating countries currently issue sovereign debt exclusively in euro. By July 1, 2002, euro-denominated bills and coins will replace the bills and coins of the participating countries. The new European Central Bank has control over each country's monetary policies. Therefore, the participating countries no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The national governments of the participating countries, however, have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and public debt levels. The conversion may impact the trading in securities of issuers located in, or denominated in the currencies of, the member states, as well as foreign exchanges, payments, the settlement process, custody of assets and accounting. The introduction of the euro is also expected to affect derivative and other financial contracts in which a Fund may invest insofar as price sources based upon current currencies of the member states will be replaced, and market conventions, such as day-count fractions or settlement dates applicable to underlying instruments may be changed to conform to the conventions applicable to euro currency. The overall impact of the transition of the member states' currencies to the euro cannot be determined with certainty at this time. In addition to the effects described above, it is likely that more general short- and long-term consequences can be expected, such as changes in economic environment and change in behavior of investors, all of which will impact each Fund's euro-denominated investments. EURODOLLAR AND YANKEE DOLLAR OBLIGATIONS Eurodollar bank obligations are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit or time deposits issued outside the United States by foreign branches of U.S. banks or by foreign banks. Yankee dollar obligations are U.S. dollar denominated obligations issued in the United States by foreign banks. -3- FIXED INCOME SECURITIES Fixed income securities are debt obligations issued by corporations, municipalities and other borrowers. The market value of fixed income investments will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities generally decline. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Changes by recognized agencies in the rating of any fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal will also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of portfolio securities will not affect cash income derived from these securities but will affect the Funds' net asset value. FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS Floating rate instruments have a rate of interest that is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate (such as the prime rate) at a major commercial bank. The Funds can demand payment of the obligation at all times or at stipulated dates on short notice (not to exceed 30 days) at par plus accrued interest. The Funds may use the longer of the period required before the Funds are entitled to prepayment under such obligations or the period remaining until the next interest rate adjustment date for purposes of determining the maturity of the instrument. Such obligations are frequently secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The quality of the underlying credit or of the bank, as the case may be, must, in the Adviser's opinion be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper ratings stated in the Prospectus. The Adviser will monitor the earning power, cash flow and liquidity ratios of the issuers of such instruments and the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand. FOREIGN SECURITIES Foreign securities include equity securities of foreign entities, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks, including, without limitation, European Certificates of Deposit, European Time Deposits, European Bankers' Acceptances, Canadian Time Deposits, Europaper and Yankee Certificates of Deposit, and investments in Canadian Commercial Paper and foreign securities. These instruments have investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. domestic issuers. These risks include future adverse political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other income, possible seizure, nationalization, or expropriation of foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source, greater fluctuations in value due to changes in exchange rates, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. These investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales commissions than domestic investments. Foreign issuers of securities or obligations are often subject to accounting treatment and engage in business practices different from those respecting domestic issuers of similar securities or obligations. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. In making investment decisions for the Funds, the Adviser evaluates the risks associated with investing Fund assets in a particular country, including risks stemming from a country's financial infrastructure and settlement practices; the likelihood of expropriation, nationalization or confiscation of invested assets; prevailing or developing custodial practices in the country; the country's laws and regulations regarding the safekeeping, maintenance and recovery of invested assets, the likelihood of government-imposed -4- exchange control restrictions which could impair the liquidity of Fund assets maintained with custodians in that country, as well as risks from political acts of foreign governments ("country risks"). Of course, the Adviser cannot assure that the Fund will not suffer losses resulting from investing in foreign countries. Holding Fund assets in foreign countries through specific foreign custodians presents additional risks, including, but not limited to, the risks that a particular foreign custodian or depository will not exercise proper care with respect to Fund assets or will not have the financial strength or adequate practices and procedures to properly safeguard Fund assets. By investing in foreign securities, the Funds attempt to take advantage of differences between both economic trends and the performance of securities markets in the various countries, regions and geographic areas as prescribed by each Fund's investment objective and policies. During certain periods the investment return on securities in some or all countries may exceed the return on similar investments in the United States, while at other times the investment return may be less than that on similar U.S. securities. Shares of the International Equity Index and International Equity Funds, when included in appropriate amounts in a portfolio otherwise consisting of domestic securities, may provide a source of increased diversification. The International Equity Index and International Equity Funds seek increased diversification by combining securities from various countries and geographic areas that offer different investment opportunities and are affected by different economic trends. The international investments of the International Equity Index and International Equity Funds may reduce the effect that events in any one country or geographic area will have on its investment holdings. Of course, negative movement by a Fund's investments in one foreign market represented in its portfolio may offset potential gains from the Fund's investments in another country's markets. Emerging countries are all countries that are considered to be developing or emerging countries by the World Bank or the International Finance Corporation, as well as countries classified by the United Nations or otherwise regarded by the international financial community as developing. Currently, the countries excluded from this category are Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, France, Canada, Germany, Denmark, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Japan, and Switzerland. GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CONTRACTS (GICS) A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for a GIC becomes part of the general assets of the issuer, and the contract is paid at maturity from the general assets of the issuer. Generally, GICs are not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company. For this reason, an active secondary market in GICs does not currently exist and GICs are considered to be illiquid investments. ILLIQUID SECURITIES Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days at approximately the price at which they are being carried on a Fund's books. INVESTMENT COMPANY SHARES The Funds may purchase shares of other mutual funds to the extent consistent with applicable law. Investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Funds. A Fund's purchase of investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that -5- you would indirectly bear a proportionate share of investment company operating expenses, such as advisory fees. INVESTMENT GRADE OBLIGATIONS Investment grade obligations are debt obligations rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's, or their unrated equivalents. These securities are deemed to have speculative characteristics. LOAN PARTICIPATIONS Loan participations are interests in loans to U.S. corporations which are administered by the lending bank or agent for a syndicate of lending banks. In a loan participation, the borrower corporation is the issuer of the participation interest except to the extent the Fund derives its rights from the intermediary bank. Because the intermediary bank does not guarantee a loan participation, a loan participation is subject to the credit risks associated with the underlying corporate borrower. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by the borrower as a result of improper conduct by the intermediary bank. In addition, in the event the underlying corporate borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the Fund may be subject to delays, expenses, and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation of the borrower. Under the terms of a Loan Participation, the Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the intermediary bank (rather than of the underlying corporate borrower), so that the Fund may also be subject to the risk that the intermediary bank may become insolvent. The secondary market for loan participations is limited and any such participation purchased by the Fund may be regarded as illiquid. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES Mortgage-backed securities are instruments that entitle the holder to a share of all interest and principal payments from mortgages underlying the security. The mortgages backing these securities include conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgages, graduated payment mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, and floating mortgages. GOVERNMENT PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES - These are securities that are issued or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans. The primary issuers or guarantors of these mortgage-backed securities are the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Fannie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). Fannie Mae and FHLMC obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government as GNMA certificates are, but Fannie Mae and FHLMC securities are supported by the instrumentalities' right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. GNMA, Fannie Mae and FHLMC each guarantees timely distributions of interest to certificate holders. GNMA and Fannie Mae also each guarantees timely distributions of scheduled principal. FHLMC has in the past guaranteed only the ultimate collection of principal of the underlying mortgage loan; however, FHLMC now issues mortgage-backed securities (FHLMC Gold PCS) which also guarantee timely payment of monthly principal reductions. Government and private guarantees do not extend to the securities' value, which is likely to vary inversely with fluctuations in interest rates. -6- Obligations of GNMA are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Obligations of Fannie Mae and FHLMC are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government but are considered to be of high quality since they are considered to be instrumentalities of the United States. The market value and interest yield of these mortgage-backed securities can vary due to market interest rate fluctuations and early prepayments of underlying mortgages. These securities represent ownership in a pool of federally insured mortgage loans with a maximum maturity of 30 years. However, due to scheduled and unscheduled principal payments on the underlying loans, these securities have a shorter average maturity and, therefore, less principal volatility than a comparable 30-year bond. Since prepayment rates vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict the average maturity of a particular mortgage-backed security. The scheduled monthly interest and principal payments relating to mortgages in the pool will be "passed through" to investors. Government mortgage-backed securities differ from conventional bonds in that principal is paid back to the certificate holders over the life of the loan rather than at maturity. As a result, there will be monthly scheduled payments of principal and interest. In addition, there may be unscheduled principal payments representing prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Although these securities may offer yields higher than those available from other types of U.S. government securities, mortgage-backed securities may be less effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment feature. For instance, when interest rates decline, the value of these securities likely will not rise as much as comparable debt securities due to the prepayment feature. In addition, these prepayments can cause the price of a mortgage-backed security originally purchased at a premium to decline in price to its par value, which may result in a loss. PRIVATE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES - These are mortgage-backed securities issued by a non-governmental entity, such as a trust. These securities include CMOs and REMICS that are rated in one of the top four rating categories. While they are generally structured with one or more types of credit enhancement, private pass-through securities typically lack a guarantee by an entity having the credit status of a governmental agency or instrumentality. The two principal types of private mortgage-backed securities are CMOs and REMICs. CMOS - CMOs are securities collateralized by mortgages, mortgage pass-throughs, mortgage pay-through bonds (bonds representing an interest in a pool of mortgages where the cash flow generated from the mortgage collateral pool is dedicated to bond repayment), and mortgage-backed bonds (general obligations of the issuers payable out of the issuers' general funds and additionally secured by a first lien on a pool of single family detached properties). CMOs are rated in one of the two highest categories by S&P or Moody's. Many CMOs are issued with a number of classes or series, which have different expected maturities. Investors purchasing such CMOs are credited with their portion of the scheduled payments of interest and principal on the underlying mortgages plus all unscheduled prepayments of principal based on a predetermined priority schedule. Accordingly, the CMOs in the longer maturity series are less likely than other mortgage pass-throughs to be prepaid prior to their stated maturity. Although some of the mortgages underlying CMOs may be supported by various types of insurance, and some CMOs may be backed by GNMA certificates or other mortgage pass-throughs issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, the CMOs themselves are not generally guaranteed. REMICS - REMICs are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple classes of securities and are rated in one of the two highest categories by S&P or Moody's. -7- Investors may purchase beneficial interests in REMICs, which are known as "regular" interests, or "residual" interests. Guaranteed REMIC pass-through certificates ("REMIC Certificates") issued by Fannie Mae or FHLMC represent beneficial ownership interests in a REMIC trust consisting principally of mortgage loans or Fannie Mae, FHLMC or GNMA-guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates. For FHLMC REMIC Certificates, FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest. GNMA REMIC Certificates are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. RISK FACTORS - Due to the possibility of prepayments of the underlying mortgage instruments, mortgage-backed securities generally do not have a known maturity. In the absence of a known maturity, market participants generally refer to an estimated average life. An average life estimate is a function of an assumption regarding anticipated prepayment patterns, based upon current interest rates, current conditions in the relevant housing markets and other factors. The assumption is necessarily subjective, and thus different market participants can produce different average life estimates with regard to the same security. There can be no assurance that estimated average life will be a security's actual average life. MUNICIPAL FORWARDS Municipal forwards are forward commitments for the purchase of tax-exempt bonds with a specified coupon to be delivered by an issuer at a future date, typically exceeding 45 days but normally less than one year after the commitment date. Municipal forwards are normally used as a refunding mechanism for bonds that may only be redeemed on a designated future date (see "When-Issued Securities and Municipal Forwards" for more information). MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS Municipal lease obligations are securities issued by state and local governments and authorities to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities. They may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase contract, a conditional sales contract, or a participation interest in any of the above. MUNICIPAL SECURITIES Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds and participation interests in municipal bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility (for example, tolls from a bridge). Certificates of participation represent an interest in an underlying obligation or commitment, such as an obligation issued in connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of principal and interest on private activity and industrial development bonds generally is totally dependent on the ability of a facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property as security for the payment. Municipal notes consist of general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes (notes sold to finance working capital needs of the issuer in anticipation of receiving taxes on a future date), revenue anticipation notes (notes sold to provide needed cash prior to receipt of expected non-tax revenues from a specific source), bond anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes and construction loan notes. A Fund's investments in any of the notes described above will be limited to those obligations (i) where both principal and interest are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, (ii) which are rated MIG-2 or V-MIG-2 at the time of investment by Moody's, (iii) which are rated SP-2 at the time of -8- investment by S&P, or (iv) which, if not rated by S&P or Moody's, are in the Adviser's judgment, of at least comparable quality to MIG-2, VMIG-2 or SP-2. Municipal bonds must be rated at least BBB or better by S&P or at least Baa or better by Moody's at the time of purchase for the Tax-Exempt Bond Funds or in one of the two highest short-term rating categories by S&P or Moody's for the Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund or, if not rated by S&P or Moody's, must be deemed by the Adviser to have essentially the same characteristics and quality as bonds having the above ratings. A Fund may purchase industrial development and pollution control bonds if the interest paid is exempt from Federal income tax. These bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately-operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of states, or political subdivisions thereof, to finance privately owned or operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control, and to finance activities of and facilities for charitable institutions. Private activity bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports parking and low-income housing. The payment of the principal and interest on private activity bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and may be secured by a pledge of real and personal property so financed. Investments in floating rate instruments will normally involve industrial development or revenue bonds which provide that the rate of interest is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate (such as the prime rate) at a major commercial bank, and that the Fund can demand payment of the obligation at all times or at stipulated dates on short notice (not to exceed 30 days) at par plus accrued interest. Such obligations are frequently secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The quality of the underlying credit or of the bank, as the case may be, must, in the Adviser's opinion, be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper ratings stated above. The Adviser will monitor the earning power, cash flow and liquidity ratios of the issuers of such instruments and the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand. The Adviser may purchase other types of tax-exempt instruments as long as they are of a quality equivalent to the bond or commercial paper ratings stated above. The Adviser has the authority to purchase securities at a price which would result in a yield to maturity lower than that generally offered by the seller at the time of purchase when they can simultaneously acquire the right to sell the securities back to the seller, the issuer, or a third party (the "writer") at an agreed-upon price at any time during a stated period or on a certain date. Such a right is generally denoted as a "standby commitment" or a "put." The purpose of engaging in transactions involving puts is to maintain flexibility and liquidity in order to meet redemptions and remain as fully invested as possible in municipal securities. The right to put the securities depends on the writer's ability to pay for the securities at the time the put is exercised. The Funds will limit their put transactions to those with institutions which the Adviser believes present minimum credit risks, and the Adviser will use its best efforts to initially determine and thereafter monitor the financial strength of the put providers by evaluating their financial statements and such other information as is available in the marketplace. It may, however, be difficult to monitor the financial strength of the writers where adequate current financial information is not available. In the event that any writer is unable to honor a put for financial reasons, the affected Fund would be a general creditor (I.E., on parity with all other unsecured creditors) of the writer. Furthermore, particular provisions of the contract between a Fund and the writer may excuse the writer from repurchasing the securities in certain circumstances (for example, a change in the -9- published rating of the underlying municipal securities or any similar event that has an adverse effect on the issuer's credit); or a provision in the contract may provide that the put will not be exercised except in certain special cases, for example, to maintain portfolio liquidity. A Fund could, however, sell the underlying portfolio security in the open market or wait until the portfolio security matures, at which time it should realize the full par value of the security. Municipal securities purchased subject to a put may be sold to third persons at any time, even though the put is outstanding, but the put itself, unless it is an integral part of the security as originally issued, may not be marketable or otherwise assignable. Sale of the securities to third parties or lapse of time with the put unexercised may terminate the right to put the securities. Prior to the expiration of any put option, a Fund could seek to negotiate terms for the extension of such an option. If such a renewal cannot be negotiated on terms satisfactory to a Fund, the Fund could, of course, sell the portfolio security. The maturity of the underlying security will generally be different from that of the put. There will be no limit to the percentage of portfolio securities that the Funds may purchase subject to a put. For the purpose of determining the "maturity" of securities purchased subject to an option to put, and for the purpose of determining the dollar-weighted average maturity of the Funds including such securities, the Trust will consider "maturity" to be the first date on which it has the right to demand payment from the writer of the put although the final maturity of the security is later than such date. Other types of tax-exempt instruments which are permissible investments include floating rate notes. Investments in such floating rate instruments will normally involve industrial development or revenue bonds which provide that the rate of interest is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate (such as the prime rate) at a major commercial bank, and that the Fund can demand payment of the obligation at all times or at stipulated dates on short notice (not to exceed 30 days) at par plus accrued interest. Such obligations are frequently secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The quality of the underlying credit or of the bank, as the case may be, must, in the Adviser's opinion, be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper ratings stated above. The Adviser will monitor the earning power, cash flow and liquidity ratios of the issuers of such instruments and the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand. The Funds may also purchase participation interests in municipal securities (such as industrial development bonds and municipal lease/purchase agreements). A participation interest gives a Fund an undivided interest in the underlying municipal security. If it is unrated, the participation interest will be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a credit-worthy financial institution or the payment obligations otherwise will be collateralized by U.S. government securities. Participation interests may have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest and may include a demand feature. A participation interest without a demand feature or with a demand feature exceeding seven days may be deemed to be an illiquid security subject to a Fund's investment limitations restricting its purchases of illiquid securities. A Fund may purchase other types of tax-exempt instruments as long as they are of a quality equivalent to the bond or commercial paper ratings stated above. Opinions relating to the validity of municipal securities and to the exemption of interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuers at the time of issuance. Neither the Funds nor the Adviser will review the proceedings relating to the issuance of municipal securities or the basis for such opinions. OPTIONS A Fund may write call options on a covered basis only, and will not engage in option writing strategies for speculative purposes. A call option gives the purchaser of such option the right to buy, and the writer, in this case the Fund, the obligation to sell the underlying security at the exercise price during the option period. The advantage to the Funds of writing covered calls is that the Funds receive a premium which is -10- additional income. However, if the security rises in value, the Funds may not fully participate in the market appreciation. During the option period, a covered call option writer may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through whom such call option was sold requiring the writer to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at such earlier time in which the writer effects a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction is one in which the Fund, when obligated as a writer of an option, terminates its obligation by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction cannot be effected with respect to an option once the option writer has received an exercise notice for such option. Closing purchase transactions will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to enable a Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. A Fund may realize a net gain or loss from a closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the net amount of the original premium received on the call option is more or less than the cost of effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received from a sale of a different call option on the same underlying security. Such a loss may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in the market value of the underlying security. If a call option expires unexercised, a Fund will realize a short-term capital gain in the amount of the premium on the option, less the commission paid. Such a gain, however, may be offset by depreciation in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, a Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security equal to the difference between the cost of the underlying security, and the proceeds of the sale of the security plus the amount of the premium on the option, less the commission paid. The market value of a call option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the price volatility of the underlying security, and the time remaining until the expiration date. The Funds will write call options only on a covered basis, which means that a Fund will own the underlying security subject to a call option at all times during the option period. Unless a closing purchase transaction is effected, a Fund would be required to continue to hold a security which it might otherwise wish to sell, or deliver a security it would want to hold. Options written by the Funds will normally have expiration dates between one and nine months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to, or above the current market value of the underlying security at the time the option is written. OTHER INVESTMENTS The Funds are not prohibited from investing in bank obligations issued by clients of SEI Investments Company ("SEI Investments"), the parent company of the Administrator and the Distributor. The purchase of Fund shares by these banks or their customers will not be a consideration in deciding which bank obligations the Funds will purchase. The Funds will not purchase obligations issued by the Adviser. -11- PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES Pay-In-Kind securities are debt obligations or preferred stock, that pay interest or dividends in the form of additional debt obligations or preferred stock. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS Repurchase agreements are agreements by which a person (E.G., a Fund) obtains a security and simultaneously commits to return the security to the seller (a primary securities dealer as recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or a national member bank as defined in Section 3(d)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended) at an agreed upon price (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date within a number of days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed upon market rate of interest which is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the underlying security. A repurchase agreement involves the obligation of the seller to pay the agreed upon price, which obligation is, in effect, secured by the value of the underlying security. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans by a Fund for purposes of its investment limitations. The repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund will provide that the underlying security at all times shall have a value at least equal to 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement (the Adviser monitors compliance with this requirement). Under all repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund, the appropriate Custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. However, if the seller defaults, a Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of the sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including interest. In addition, even though the Bankruptcy Code provides protection for most repurchase agreements, if the seller should be involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, a Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying security to the seller's estate. RESTRICTED SECURITIES Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or an exemption from registration. The Funds may invest in restricted securities, and each such Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets (10% for the money market funds) in illiquid securities, subject to each Fund's investment limitations on the purchase of illiquid securities. Restricted securities, including securities eligible for re-sale under 1933 Act Rule 144A, that are determined to be liquid are not subject to this limitation. This determination is to be made by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Under these guidelines, the Adviser will consider the frequency of trades and quotes for the security, the number of dealers in, and potential purchasers for, the securities, dealer undertakings to make a market in the security, and the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades. In purchasing such Restricted Securities, the Adviser intends to purchase securities that are exempt from registration under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. SECURITIES LENDING All Funds may lend securities pursuant to agreements which require that the loans be continuously secured by collateral at all times equal to 100% of the market value of the loaned securities which consists of cash, securities of the U.S. government or its agencies, or any combination of cash and such securities. Such loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans for a Fund exceed one-third of the value of the Fund's total assets taken at fair market value. A Fund will continue to receive interest on the loaned securities while simultaneously earning interest on the -12- investment of the collateral. However, a Fund will normally pay lending fees to such broker-dealers and related expenses from the interest earned on invested collateral. There may be risks of delay in receiving additional collateral or risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. Further, loans are made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and when, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration which can be earned currently from such securities loans justifies the attendant risk. Any loan may be terminated by either party upon reasonable notice to the other party. The Funds may use the Distributor or a broker-dealer affiliate of the Adviser as a broker in these transactions. SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS Short-term obligations are debt obligations maturing (becoming payable) in 397 days or less, including commercial paper and short-term corporate obligations. Short-term corporate obligations are short-term obligations issued by corporations. STANDBY COMMITMENTS AND PUTS The Funds may purchase securities at a price which would result in a yield to maturity lower than that generally offered by the seller at the time of purchase when they can simultaneously acquire the right to sell the securities back to the seller, the issuer or a third party (the "writer") at an agreed-upon price at any time during a stated period or on a certain date. Such a right is generally denoted as a "standby commitment" or a "put." The purpose of engaging in transactions involving puts is to maintain flexibility and liquidity to permit the Funds to meet redemptions and remain as fully invested as possible in municipal securities. The Funds reserve the right to engage in put transactions. The right to put the securities depends on the writer's ability to pay for the securities at the time the put is exercised. A Fund would limit its put transactions to institutions which the Adviser believes present minimal credit risks, and the Adviser would use its best efforts to initially determine and continue to monitor the financial strength of the sellers of the options by evaluating their financial statements and such other information as is available in the marketplace. It may, however be difficult to monitor the financial strength of the writers because adequate current financial information may not be available. In the event that any writer is unable to honor a put for financial reasons, a Fund would be a general creditor (I.E., on a parity with all other unsecured creditors) of the writer. Furthermore, particular provisions of the contract between the Fund and the writer may excuse the writer from repurchasing the securities; for example, a change in the published rating of the underlying securities or any similar event that has an adverse effect on the issuer's credit or a provision in the contract that the put will not be exercised except in certain special cases, for example, to maintain portfolio liquidity. The Fund could, however, at any time sell the underlying portfolio security in the open market or wait until the portfolio security matures, at which time it should realize the full par value of the security. The securities purchased subject to a put may be sold to third persons at any time, even though the put is outstanding, but the put itself, unless it is an integral part of the security as originally issued, may not be marketable or otherwise assignable. Therefore, the put would have value only to the Fund. Sale of the securities to third parties or lapse of time with the put unexercised may terminate the right to put the securities. Prior to the expiration of any put option, the Fund could seek to negotiate terms for the extension of such an option. If such a renewal cannot be negotiated on terms satisfactory to the Fund, the Fund could, of course, sell the portfolio security. The maturity of the underlying security will generally be different from that of the put. There will be no limit to the percentage of portfolio securities that the Fund may purchase subject to a standby commitment or put, but the amount paid directly or indirectly for all standby commitments or puts which are not integral parts of the security as originally issued held in the Fund will not exceed one-half of 1% of the value of the total assets of such Fund calculated immediately after any such put is acquired. -13- STRIPS Separately Traded Interest and Principal Securities ("STRIPS") are component parts of U.S. Treasury securities traded through the Federal Book-Entry System. An Adviser will only purchase STRIPS that it determines are liquid or, if illiquid, do not violate the affected Fund's investment policy concerning investments in illiquid securities. Consistent with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act"), the Adviser will only purchase STRIPS for money market funds that have a remaining maturity of 397 days or less; therefore, the money market funds currently may only purchase interest component parts of U.S. Treasury securities. While there is no limitation on the percentage of a Fund's assets that may be comprised of STRIPS, the Adviser will monitor the level of such holdings to avoid the risk of impairing shareholders' redemption rights and of deviations in the value of shares of the money market funds. SUPRANATIONAL AGENCY OBLIGATIONS Supranational agency obligations are obligations of supranational entities established through the joint participation of several governments, including the Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (also known as the "World Bank"), African Development Bank, European Union, European Investment Bank, and the Nordic Investment Bank. SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS, COLLARS Swaps, caps, floors and collars are hedging tools designed to permit a Fund to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio. They are also used to protect against any increase in the price of securities a Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. In a typical interest rate swap, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a floating interest rate times a "notional principal amount." This is done in return for payments equal to a fixed rate times the same amount, for a specific period of time. If a swap agreement provides for payment in different currencies, the parties might agree to exchange the notional principal amount as well. Swaps may also depend on other prices or rates, such as the value of an index or mortgage prepayment rates. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances. This is usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specific interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. Meanwhile, the seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor. Swap agreements are subject to risks related to the counterparty's ability to perform, and may decline in value if the counterparty's creditworthiness deteriorates. A Fund may also suffer losses if it is unable to terminate outstanding swap agreements or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. An obligation a Fund may have under these types of arrangements will be covered by setting aside liquid high-grade securities in a segregated account. The Funds will enter into swaps only with counterparties believed to be creditworthy. U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS U.S. government agency obligations are obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government. Agencies of the U.S. government which issue obligations consist of, among others, the Export Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Farm Credit -14- Bank, Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of instrumentalities of the U.S. government include securities issued by, among others, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Fannie Mae and the U.S. Postal Service as well as government trust certificates. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing the value of the obligation prior to maturity. U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. They also consist of separately traded interest and principal component parts of these obligations that are transferable through STRIPS or CUBES. VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES Variable and floating rate instruments involve certain obligations that may carry variable or floating rates of interest, and may involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly, or some other reset period, and may have a set floor or ceiling on interest rate changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on such obligations may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand notice exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary market for such security. VARIABLE RATE MASTER DEMAND NOTES Variable rate master demand notes permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying market rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between a Fund, as lender, and a borrower. Such notes provide that the interest rate on the amount outstanding varies on a daily, weekly or monthly basis depending upon a stated short-term interest rate index. Both the lender and the borrower have the right to reduce the amount of outstanding indebtedness at any time. There is no secondary market for the notes and it is not generally contemplated that such instruments will be traded. The quality of the note or the underlying credit must, in the opinion of the Adviser, be equivalent to the ratings applicable to permitted investments for the particular Fund. The Adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis the earning power, cash flow and liquidity ratios of the issuers of such instruments and will similarly monitor the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand. Variable rate master demand notes may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit. WARRANTS Warrants give holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy shares of a company at a given price, usually higher than the market price, during a specified period. -15- WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND MUNICIPAL FORWARDS When-issued securities are securities that are delivered and paid for normally within 45 days after the date of commitment to purchase. Municipal forwards call for delivery of the underlying municipal security normally after 45 days but before 1 year after the commitment date. Although a Fund will only make commitments to purchase when-issued securities and municipal forwards with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, a Fund may sell them before the settlement date. When-issued securities are subject to market fluctuation, and accrue no interest to the purchaser during this pre-settlement period. The payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities are each fixed at the time the purchaser enters into the commitment. Purchasing municipal forwards and when-issued securities entails leveraging and can involve a risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself. In that case, there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery. Segregated accounts will be established with the appropriate custodian, and a Fund will maintain high-quality, liquid assets in an amount at least equal in value to its commitments to purchase when-issued securities and municipal forwards. If the value of these assets declines, the Fund will place additional liquid assets in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the assets in the account is equal to the amount of such commitments. ZERO COUPON OBLIGATIONS Zero coupon obligations are debt obligations that do not bear any interest, but instead are issued at a deep discount from face value or par. The value of a zero coupon obligation increases over time to reflect the interest accumulated. These obligations will not result in the payment of interest until maturity, and will have greater price volatility than similar securities that are issued at face value or par and pay interest periodically. Investors will receive written notification at least thirty days prior to any change in a Fund's investment objective. The phrase "principally invests" as used in the prospectus means that the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in the securities as described in the sentence. Each tax-exempt fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities with income exempt from federal income and alternative minimum taxes. INVESTMENT POLICIES The following are fundamental policies of each Fund and cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the consent of the holders of a majority of that Fund's outstanding shares. The term "majority of the outstanding shares" means the vote of (i) 67% or more of a Fund's shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding shares, whichever is less. No Fund may: 1. With respect to 75% of each Fund's total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of the total assets of a Fund in the securities of any one issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, repurchase agreements involving such securities, and securities issued by investment companies), or purchase the securities of any one issuer if such purchase would cause more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer to be held by a Fund. -16- 2. Borrow money in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, provided that, for the purposes of this limitation, investment strategies that either obligate a Fund to purchase securities or require a Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowing. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowing, except where the Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes (less than 60 days), and in an amount not exceeding 5% of its total assets. 3. Underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the sale of portfolio securities. 4. Issue senior securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")), except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). 5. Purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities and securities issued by investment companies) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies who principal business activities are in the same industry. 6. Purchase or sell real estate, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent a Fund from investing in securities or other instruments either issued by companies that invest in real estate, backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business). 7. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. 8. Make loans, except that a Fund may: (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; and (iii) lend its portfolio securities. NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES 1. Any change to a Fund's investment policy to invest at least 80% of such Fund's net assets in securities of companies in a specific sector is subject to 60 days' prior notice to shareholders. 2. No Fund may purchase or hold illiquid securities (I.E., securities that cannot be disposed of for their approximate carrying value in seven days or less (which term includes repurchase agreements and time deposits maturing in more than seven days) if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. With the exception of the limitations on liquidity standards, the foregoing percentages will apply at the time of the purchase of a security and shall not be considered violated unless an excess occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of a purchase of such security. INVESTMENT ADVISER The investment adviser makes investment decisions for the Funds and continuously reviews, supervises and administers each Fund's respective investment program pursuant to an advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Board of Trustees supervises the Adviser and establishes policies that the Adviser must follow in its management activities. Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ("Trusco" or the -17- "Adviser"), 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. As of [December 31, 2001], Trusco had in excess of $[45] billion in assets under management. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder. The Advisory Agreement provides that if, for any fiscal year, the ratio of expenses of any Fund (including amounts payable to the Adviser but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) exceeds limitations established by certain states, the Adviser and/or the Administrator will bear the amount of such excess. The Adviser will not be required to bear expenses of the Trust to an extent which would result in a Fund's inability to qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The continuance of the Advisory Agreement, after the first 2 years, must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees, and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreements or "interested persons" of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or, with respect to the Funds, by a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds, on not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' written notice to the Adviser, or by the Adviser on 90 days' written notice to the Trust. For its advisory services, Trusco is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND: ADVISORY FEE: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Classic Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund 0.60% Classic Institutional Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.50% Classic Institutional U.S. Government Securities Super Short Income Plus Fund 0.40% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its fees or reimburse expenses in order to limit Fund expenses. THE ADMINISTRATOR The Trust and SEI Investments Mutual Funds Services (the "Administrator") are parties to the administration agreement (the "Administration Agreement"). The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Administration Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder. The Administration Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of five years after the date of the Agreement and shall continue in effect for successive periods of two years subject to review at least annually by the Trustees of the Trust unless terminated by either party on not less than 90 days' written notice to the other party. -18- The Administrator, a Delaware business trust, has its principal business offices at Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. SEI Investments Management Corporation ("SIMC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI Investments"), is the owner of all beneficial interest in the Administrator. SEI Investments and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including the Administrator, are leading providers of funds evaluation services, trust accounting systems, and brokerage and information services to financial institutions, institutional investors, and money managers. The Administrator and its affiliates also serve as administrator or sub-administrator to the following other mutual funds including, but without limitation: The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, Alpha Select Funds, Amerindo Funds Inc., The Arbor Fund, Armada Funds, The Armada Advantage Fund, Bishop Street Funds, Causeway Capital Management Trust, CNI Charter Funds, Excelsior Funds Inc., Excelsior Funds Trust, Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc., Expedition Funds, First Focus Funds, Inc., Friends Ivory Funds, HighMark Funds, JohnsonFamily Funds, Inc., The MDL Funds, The Nevis Fund, Inc., Oak Associates Funds, The PBHG Funds, Inc., PBHG Insurance Series Fund, Inc., Pitcairn Funds, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds, Schroder Fund Advisors Inc., SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Insurance Products Trust, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, STI Classic Variable Trust, Turner Funds, UAM Funds Trust, UAM Funds, Inc. and UAM Funds, Inc. II. For its administrative services, the Administrator is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of: [0.12% of the first $1 billion of average aggregate net assets, 0.09% on the next $4 billion of average aggregate net assets, 0.07% of the next $3 billion of average aggregate net assets, 0.065% of the next $2 billion of average aggregate net assets, and 0.06% thereafter. THE DISTRIBUTOR SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments, and the Trust have entered into a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") dated May 29, 1992. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor must use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Trust. The Distributor will receive no compensation for distribution of Trust Shares. In addition, the Investor Shares of the Funds have a distribution plan (the "Investor Plan"), and the Flex Shares of the Funds have a distribution and service plan (the "Flex Plan"). The Distribution Agreement is renewable annually and may be terminated by the Distributor, the disinterested Trustees, or by a majority vote of the outstanding securities of the Trust upon not more than 60 days' written notice by either party. TRUST AND FLEX SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLANS The Distribution Agreement and the Flex Plan adopted by the Trust provide that Flex Shares of each applicable Fund will pay the Distributor a fee of up to .75% of the average daily net assets of that Fund. The Distributor can use these fees to compensate broker-dealers and service providers, including SunTrust and its affiliates, which provide administrative and/or distribution services to Investor Shares or Flex Shares Shareholders or their customers who beneficially own Investor Shares or Flex Shares. In addition, Flex Shares are subject to a service fee of up to .25% of the average daily net assets of the Flex Shares of each Fund. This service fee will be used for services provided and expenses incurred in maintaining shareholder accounts, responding to shareholder inquiries and providing information on their investments. Services for which broker-dealers and service providers may be compensated include establishing and maintaining customer accounts and records; aggregating and processing purchase and redemption -19- requests from customers; placing net purchase and redemption orders with the Distributor; automatically investing customer account cash balances; providing periodic statements to customers; arranging for wires; answering customer inquiries concerning their investments; assisting customers in changing dividend options, account designations, and addresses; performing sub-accounting functions; processing dividend payments from the Trust on behalf of customers; and forwarding Shareholder communications from the Trust (such as proxies, Shareholder reports, and dividend distribution and tax notices) to these customers with respect to investments in the Trust. Certain state securities laws may require those financial institutions providing such distribution services to register as dealers pursuant to state law. Although banking laws and regulations prohibit banks from distributing shares of open-end investment companies such as the Trust, according to an opinion issued to the staff of the SEC by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, financial institutions are not prohibited from acting in other capacities for investment companies, such as providing shareholder services. Should future legislative, judicial, or administrative action prohibit or restrict the activities of financial institutions in connection with providing shareholder services, the Trust may be required to alter materially or discontinue its arrangements with such financial institutions. The Trust has adopted the Flex Plan in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which Rule regulates circumstances under which an investment company may directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of its shares. Continuance of the Flex Plan must be approved annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and by a majority of the disinterested Trustees. The Flex Plan requires that quarterly written reports of amounts spent under the Flex Plan and the purposes of such expenditures be furnished to and reviewed by the Trustees. The Flex Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount which may be spent thereunder without approval by a majority of the outstanding shares of the affected class of shares of the Trust. All material amendments of the Flex Plan will require approval by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and of the disinterested Trustees. There is no sales charge on purchases of Flex Shares, but Flex Shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if they are redeemed within one year of purchase. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the Flex Plan, Flex Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and service fee calculated on each of the Funds' aggregate average daily net assets attributable to its Flex Shares. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN. The Trust has adopted a shareholder service plan for the Classic Institutional Trust Shares (Service Plan). Under the Service Plan, the Distributor may perform, or may compensate other service providers for performing, the following shareholder services: maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank wires; responding to client inquiries concerning services provided on investments; assisting clients in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; sub-accounting; providing information on share positions to clients; forwarding shareholder communications to clients; processing purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and processing dividend payments. Under the Service Plan, the Distributor may retain as a profit any difference between the fee it receives and the amount it pays to third parties. THE TRANSFER AGENT Federated Services Company, Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779 serves as the Trust's transfer agent. THE CUSTODIAN SunTrust Bank, 303 Peachtree Street N.E., 14th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30308] serves as the custodian for the Funds. -20- CODES OF ETHICS The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In addition, the Adviser and Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics (each a "Code" and together the "Codes") apply to the personal investing activities of trustees, officers and certain employees ("access persons"). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code, access persons are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. In addition, certain access persons of the Trust and the Adviser are prohibited from acquiring beneficial ownership of securities offered in connection with initial public offerings. Certain access persons of the Adviser are further prohibited from acquiring beneficial ownership of securities offered in connection with a limited offering. The Distributor's Code requires certain access persons to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings and limited offerings. Copies of these Code of Ethics are on file with the U.S. SEC and are available to the public. INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Arthur Andersen, LLP serves as independent public accountants for the Trust. LEGAL COUNSEL Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as legal counsel to the Trust. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST The Trustees supervise the management and affairs of the Trust. The Trustees have approved contracts with certain companies that provide the Trust with essential management services. The Trustees and Executive Officers of the Trust, their respective dates of birth, and their principal occupations for the last five years are set forth below. Each may have held other positions with the named companies during that period. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each Trustee and each Executive Officer is SEI Investments Company, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. Certain officers of the Trust also serve as officers to one or more mutual funds for which SEI Investments Company or its affiliates act as investment manager, administrator or distributor. THOMAS GALLAGHER (11/25/47) - Trustee - President, Genuine Parts Company Wholesale Distribution, 1970 to the present; Director, National Service Industries; Director, Oxford Industries. F. WENDELL GOOCH (12/3/32) - Trustee - Retired. President, Orange County Publishing Co., Inc., 1981 to 1997, publisher of the Paoli News and the Paoli Republican and Editor of the Paoli Republican, 1981 to 1997, President, H & W Distribution, Inc., 1984 to 1997. Current Trustee on the Board of Trustees for the SEI Family of Funds and The Capitol Mutual Funds. Executive Vice President, Trust Department, Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Harris Trust Company of Arizona before January 1981. JAMES O. ROBBINS (7/4/42) - Trustee - President and Chief Executive Officer, Cox Communications, Inc., 1983 to the present; Director, NCR; Director, Cox Communications. JONATHAN T. WALTON (3/28/30) - Trustee - Retired. Executive Vice President, NBD Bank, N.A. and NBD Bancorp, October 1956 to March 1995. Trustee, W.K. Kellogg Trust. -21- RICHARD W. COURTS, II (6/3/42) - Trustee - Chairman of the Board, Atlantic Investment Company, 1970 to the present. CLARENCE H. RIDLEY (6/3/42) - Trustee - Chairman of the Board; Haverty Furniture Companies, 2001 to the present; Partner, King and Spaulding LLP (law firm), 1971 to 2000. JAMES R. FOGGO (06/30/64) - President - Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI Investments since 1998. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Administrator and the Distributor since May 1999. Associate, Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison (law firm), 1998. Associate, Baker & McKenzie (law firm), 1995 to 1998. Associate, Battle Fowler L.L.P. (law firm), 1993 to 1995. Operations Manager, The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., 1986 to 1990. JENNIFER E. SPRATLEY, CPA (02/13/69) - Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer - Director, SEI Funds Accounting since November 1999. Audit Manager, Ernst & Young LLP, 1991 to 1999. LYDIA GAVALIS (06/05/64) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI Investments, the Administrator and the Distributor since 1998. Assistant General Counsel and Director of Arbitration, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, 1989 to 1998. TIMOTHY D. BARTO (03/28/68) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Employed by SEI Investments since October 1999. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Administrator and Distributor since December 1999. Associate, Dechert Price & Rhoads, 1997 to 1999. Associate, Richter, Miller & Finn, 1994 to 1997. TODD B. CIPPERMAN (02/14/66) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Senior Vice President and General Counsel of SEI Investments; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Administrator and the Distributor since 2000. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI Investments, the Administrator and the Distributor, 1995 to 2000. Associate, Dewey Ballantine (law firm), 1994 to 1995. Associate, Winston & Strawn (law firm), 1991 to 1994. CHRISTINE M. MCCULLOUGH (12/02/60) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Employed by SEI Investments since November 1, 1999. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Administrator and the Distributor since December 1999. Associate, White & Williams LLP, 1991 to 1999. Associate, Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, 1990 to 1991. WILLIAM E. ZITELLI, JR. (06/14/68) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Administrator and Distributor since August 2000. Vice President, Merrill Lynch & Co. Asset Management Group, 1998 to 2000. Associate, Pepper Hamilton LLP, 1997 to 1998. Associate, Reboul, MacMurray, Hewitt, Maynard & Kristol, 1994 to 1997. SHERRY KAJDAN VETTERLEIN (06/22/62) - Vice President & Assistant Secretary - Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the Administrator and Distributor since January 2001. Shareholder/Partner, Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation, 1992 to 2000. ---------------------------- * Mr. Looney may be deemed an "interested person" of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act. The Trustees and Officers of the Trust own, in the aggregate, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2001, the Trust paid the following amounts to Trustees and Officers of the Trust: -22-
============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== NAME OF PERSON, POSITION AGGREGATE PENSION OR ESTIMATED TOTAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION FROM RETIREMENT ANNUAL BENEFITS FROM FUND AND FUND FUND BENEFITS ACCRUED UPON RETIREMENT COMPLEX PAID TO AS PART OF FUND TRUSTEES FOR SERVICE EXPENSES ON TWO BOARDS ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Thomas Gallagher, Trustee $25,750 N/A N/A $27,750 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Daniel S. Goodrum, Trustee+ $12,000 N/A N/A $13,000 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Wilton Looney, Trustee++ $27,750 N/A N/A $29,250 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Champney A. McNair, $12,000 N/A N/A $13,000 Trustee+ ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== F. Wendell Gooch, Trustee $25,750 N/A N/A $27,750 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== T. Gordy Germany, Trustee+ $12,000 N/A N/A $13,000 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== James O. Robbins, Trustee# $24,250 N/A N/A $26,250 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Dr. Bernard F. Sliger, $12,000 N/A N/A $13,000 Trustee+ ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Jonathan T. Walton, Trustee $24,250 N/A N/A $26,250 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Clarence H. Ridley $0 N/A N/A $0 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ======================== Richard W. Courts, II $0 N/A N/A $0 ============================ ==================== ==================== ================= ========================
+ Pursuant to the Board's retirement policy, Messrs. Germany, Goodrum, McNair and Dr. Sliger retired on November 18, 2000. ++ Mr. Looney retired on August 21, 2001. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION From time to time a Fund may advertise its performance. Performance figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. CLASSES OF SHARES AND PERFORMANCE The performance of the Trust's Investor Shares and Flex Shares will normally be lower than for Trust Shares because Investor Shares and Flex Shares are subject to distribution, service, and certain transfer agent fees not charged to Trust Shares. Because of their differing distribution expense arrangements, the performance of Flex Shares in comparison to Investor Shares will vary depending upon the investor's investment time horizon. PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS Each Fund may periodically compare its performance to other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating services, to broad groups of comparable mutual funds, or to unmanaged indices. These comparisons may -23- assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and management costs. COMPUTATION OF YIELD 30-DAY YIELD The Funds may advertise a 30-day yield. In particular, yield will be calculated according to the following formula: Yield = (2 (a-b/cd + 1)6 - 1) where a = dividends and interest earned during the period; b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursement); c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends; and d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. CALCULATION OF TOTAL RETURN From time to time, the Funds may advertise total return. In particular, total return will be calculated according to the following formula: P (1 + T)n = ERV, where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; T = average annual total return; n = number of years; and ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the designated time period as of the end of such period. PURCHASING SHARES Purchases and redemptions of shares of the Funds may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business. Currently, the NYSE is closed on: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. REDEEMING SHARES A Shareholder will at all times be entitled to aggregate cash redemptions from all Funds of the Trust during any 90-day period of up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Trust's net assets. The Trust reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption and/or to postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period on which trading on the NYSE is restricted, or during the existence of an emergency (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) as a result of disposal or valuation of a Fund's securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC has by order permitted. The Trust also reserves the right to suspend sales of shares of a Fund for any period during which the NYSE, an Adviser, the Administrator and/or, the Custodian are not open for business. A number of Fund shareholders are institutions with significant share holdings that may be redeemed at any time. If a substantial number or amount of redemptions should occur within a relatively short period of time, a Fund may have to sell portfolio securities it would otherwise hold and incur the additional transaction costs. The sale of portfolio securities may result in the recognition of capital gains, which will be distributed annually and generally will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Shareholders are notified annually regarding the federal tax status of distributions they receive (see "Taxes"). -24- DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE The net asset value per share of the Money Market Funds is calculated daily by the Administrator by adding the value of securities and other assets, subtracting liabilities and dividing by the number of outstanding shares. Securities will be valued by the amortized cost method which involves valuing a security at its cost on the date of purchase and thereafter (absent unusual circumstances) assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuations in general market rates of interest on the value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which a security's value, as determined by this method, is higher or lower than the price a Fund would receive if it sold the instrument. During periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield of a Fund may tend to be higher than a like computation made by a company with identical investments utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of its portfolio securities. Thus, if the use of amortized cost by a Fund resulted in a lower aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective investor in a Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield than would result from investment in a company utilizing solely market values, and existing investors in a Fund would experience a lower yield. The converse would apply in a period of rising interest rates. A Fund's use of amortized cost and the maintenance of a Fund's net asset value at $1.00 are permitted by regulations promulgated by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, provided that certain conditions are met. The regulations also require the Trustees to establish procedures which are reasonably designed to stabilize the net asset value per share at $1.00 for the Funds. Such procedures include the determination of the extent of deviation, if any, of the Funds current net asset value per share calculated using available market quotations from the Funds amortized cost price per share at such intervals as the Trustees deem appropriate and reasonable in light of market conditions and periodic reviews of the amount of the deviation and the methods used to calculate such deviation. In the event that such deviation exceeds one-half of 1%, the Trustees are required to consider promptly what action, if any, should be initiated, and, if the Trustees believe that the extent of any deviation may result in material dilution or other unfair results to Shareholders, the Trustees are required to take such corrective action as they deem appropriate to eliminate or reduce such dilution or unfair results to the extent reasonably practicable. Such actions may include the sale of portfolio instruments prior to maturity to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity; withholding dividends; redeeming shares in kind; or establishing a net asset value per share by using available market quotations. In addition, if the Funds incur a significant loss or liability, the Trustees have the authority to reduce pro rata the number of shares of the Funds in each Shareholder's account and to offset each Shareholder's pro rata portion of such loss or liability from the Shareholder's accrued but unpaid dividends or from future dividends while each other Fund must annually distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income. The securities of the Funds are valued by the Administrator pursuant to valuations provided by an independent pricing service. The pricing service relies primarily on prices of actual market transactions as well as trader quotations. However, the service may also use a matrix system to determine valuations of fixed income securities, which system considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and developments relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the general supervision of the Trustees. Although the methodology and procedures are identical, the net asset value per share of Institutional, Trust and Flex shares of the Funds may differ because of variations in the distribution and service fees and transfer agent fees charged to Trust and Flex shares. -25- TAXES The following is a summary of certain federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Funds' prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the federal tax treatment of the funds or their shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Funds' prospectuses is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. This discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations issued thereunder, in effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. FEDERAL INCOME TAX In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Code each Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its net investment income excludable from gross income plus 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income plus net short-term capital gain) ("Distribution Requirement") and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of a Fund's gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities, or certain other income; (ii) at the close of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of a Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (iii) at the close of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, or of two or more issuers engaged in same or similar trades or businesses if the Fund owns at least 20% of the voting power of such issuers. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. Each Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax if it does not comply with certain additional distribution requirements. To comply with such requirements, each Fund will distribute by the end of any calendar year 98% of its ordinary income for that year and 98% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that calendar year, plus certain other amounts. Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the federal excise tax applicable to RICs, but can make no assurances that all such tax will be eliminated. If a Fund fails to maintain qualification as a RIC for a tax year, that Fund will be subject to income tax on its taxable income and gains, without any benefit for distributions paid to shareholders, and distributions to shareholders will be taxed as ordinary income to the extent of that Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Each Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gains, accelerate the recognition of income to a Fund, and/or defer a Fund's -26- ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to shareholders by a Fund. The Funds receive income generally in the form of interest derived from Fund investments. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of a Fund, constitutes its net investment income from which dividends may be paid to shareholders. Any distributions by a Fund may be taxable to shareholders regardless of whether they are received in cash or additional shares. A Fund may derive capital gains and losses in connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities. Distributions of net short-term capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In general, the Funds do not expect to realize net-long term capital gains because the portion of such Funds' distributions are expected to be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction. Shareholders who have not held Fund shares for a full year should be aware that a Fund may designate and distribute, as ordinary income or capital gain, a percentage of income that is not equal to the actual amount of such income earned during the period of investment in a Fund. If a Fund's distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in a Fund and result in higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which distribution was received are sold. SALE, REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES Sales, redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares are generally taxable transactions for federal, state and local income tax purposes. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or redemption of shares of a Fund by a shareholder who holds their shares as a capital asset will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year, and short-term if for a year or less. If shares held for six months or less are sold or redeemed for a loss, two special rules apply. First, if shares on which a net capital gain distribution has been received are subsequently sold or redeemed, and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the long-term capital gain distributions. Second, any loss recognized by a shareholder upon the sale or redemption of shares of a tax-exempt fund held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such shares. All or a portion of any loss that you realize upon the redemption of your fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in a Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be added to your tax basis in the new shares you buy. FOREIGN TAXES Dividends and interests received by a Fund may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions that would reduce the yield on the Fund's stock or securities. Tax conventions and treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these taxes. Foreign countries generally do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments by foreign investors. -27- STATE AND LOCAL TAXES Distributions from a Fund and ownership of Fund shares may be subject to state and local taxation. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisor regarding state and local taxes affecting an investment in shares of a Fund. Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by a Fund. Investments in Government National Mortgage Association and Fannie Mae securities, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collaterized by U.S. government securities do not generally qualify for tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporations. FUND TRANSACTIONS The Trust has no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to policies established by the Trustees, an Adviser is responsible for placing the orders to execute transactions for a Fund. In placing orders, it is the policy of the Trust to seek to obtain the best net results taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable dealer spread), the size, type and difficulty of the transaction involved, the firm's general execution and operational facilities, and the firm's risk in positioning the securities involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Trust will not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available. The money market securities in which the Funds invest are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market. Bonds and debentures are usually traded over-the-counter, but may be traded on an exchange. Where possible, the Adviser will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Such dealers usually are acting as principal for their own account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Money market securities are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. The cost of executing portfolio securities transactions of the Trust will primarily consist of dealer spreads and underwriting commissions. TRADING PRACTICES AND BROKERAGE The Trust selects brokers or dealers to execute transactions for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities on the basis of its judgment of their professional capability to provide the service. The primary consideration is to have brokers or dealers provide transactions at best price and execution for the Trust. Best price and execution includes many factors, including the price paid or received for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability of execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order and other factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the account on the transaction. The Trust's determination of what are reasonably competitive rates is based upon the professional knowledge of its trading department as to rates paid and charged for similar transactions throughout the securities industry. In some instances, the Trust pays a minimal share transaction cost when the transaction presents no difficulty. Some trades are made on a net basis where the Trust either buys securities directly from the dealer or sells them to the dealer. In these instances, there is no direct commission charged but there is a spread (the difference between the buy and sell price) which is the equivalent of a commission. The Trust may allocate out of all commission business generated by all of the funds and accounts under management by the Adviser, brokerage business to brokers or dealers who provide brokerage and -28- research services. These research services include advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing of analyses and reports concerning issuers, securities or industries; providing information on economic factors and trends, assisting in determining portfolio strategy, providing computer software used in security analyses, and providing portfolio performance evaluation and technical market analyses. Such services are used by the Adviser in connection with its investment decision-making process with respect to one or more funds and accounts managed by it, and may not be used exclusively with respect to the Fund or account generating the brokerage. As provided in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") higher commissions may be paid to broker-dealers who provide brokerage and research services than to broker-dealers who do not provide such services if such higher commissions are deemed reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. Although transactions are directed to broker-dealers who provide such brokerage and research services, the Trust believes that the commissions paid to such broker-dealers are not, in general, higher than commissions that would be paid to broker-dealers not providing such services and that such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. In addition, portfolio transactions which generate commissions or their equivalent are directed to broker-dealers who provide daily portfolio pricing services to the Trust. Subject to best price and execution, commissions used for pricing may or may not be generated by the funds receiving the pricing service. The Adviser may place a combined order for two or more accounts or Funds engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or Fund. It is believed that the ability of the accounts to participate in volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the accounts and Funds. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Adviser and the Trust's Board of Trustees that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, the Funds, at the request of the Distributor, give consideration to sales of shares of the Trust as a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers to execute Trust portfolio transactions. It is expected that the Trust may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through the Distributor or an affiliate of the Adviser, both of which are registered broker-dealers, for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. Under these provisions, the Distributor or an affiliate of the Adviser is permitted to receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the Trust on an exchange if a written contract is in effect between the Distributor and the Trust expressly permitting the Distributor or an affiliate of the Adviser to receive and retain such compensation. These rules further require that commissions paid to the Distributor by the Trust for exchange transactions not exceed "usual and customary" brokerage commissions. The rules define "usual and customary" commissions to include amounts which are "reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time." In addition, the Trust may direct commission business to one or more designated broker-dealers in connection with such broker/dealer's provision of services to the Trust or payment of certain Trust expenses (E.G., custody, pricing and professional fees). The Trustees, -29- including those who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to the Distributor, and will review these procedures periodically. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares and classes of shares of the Funds each of which represents an equal proportionate interest in that Fund with each other share. Shares are entitled upon liquidation to a pro rata share in the net assets of the Funds. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the Trust may create additional series of shares or classes of series. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any additional series and all assets in which such consideration is invested would belong to that series and would be subject to the liabilities related thereto. Share certificates representing shares will not be issued. SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the trust. Even if, however, the Trust were held to be a partnership, the possibility of the shareholders' incurring financial loss for that reason appears remote because the Trust's Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees, and because the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES' LIABILITY The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the selection of officers, agents, employees or investment advisers, shall not be liable for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties. -30- APPENDIX DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS The following descriptions are summaries of published ratings. DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS A-1 This is the highest category by Standard and Poor's (S&P) and indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation. A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory and the obligation is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. PRIME-1 Issues rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) by Moody's have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: - Leading market positions in well-established industries. - High rates of return on funds employed. - Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection. - Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation. - Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity. The rating F1 (Highest Credit Quality) is the highest commercial rating assigned by Fitch, Inc. ("Fitch"). Paper rated F1 is regarded as having the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. The rating F2 (Good Credit Quality) is the second highest commercial paper rating assigned by Fitch which reflects a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings. The rating TBW-1 by Thomson BankWatch (Thomson) indicates a very high likelihood that principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis. DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS Moody's highest rating for state and municipal and other short-term notes is MIG-1 and VMIG-l. Short-term municipal securities rated MIG-1 or VMIG-1 are of the best quality. They have strong protection from established cash flows, superior liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing or both. Short-term municipal securities rated MIG-2 or VMIG-2 are of high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the MIG-1/VMIG-2 group. A-1 An S&P note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment: - Amortization Schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note, and - Source of Payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note. S&P note rating symbols are as follows: SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay a debt service is given a plus (+) designation. SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the votes. DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS S&P Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating S&P assigns to a debt obligation. Such a rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only in small degree. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories. Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories. Debt rated BB and B is regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative grade debt. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating. Debt rate B has greater vulnerability to default but presently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category also is used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating. MOODY'S Bonds which are rated Aaa by Moody's are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as `"gilt edge.'" Interest payments are protected by a large, or an exceptionally stable, margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements A-2 are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. Bonds rated Aa by Moody's are judged by Moody's to be of high quality by all standards. Together with bonds rated Aaa, they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities. Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations (I.E., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applied to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one-year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letters-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located. Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's sovereign rating. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's sovereign rating for the bank deposits for the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and either the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings. Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or is a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer. Moody's ratings are opinions, not recommendations to buy or sell, and their accuracy is not guaranteed. A rating should be weighed solely as one factor in an investment decision and you should make your own study and evaluation of any issuer whose securities or debt obligations you consider buying or selling. A-3 FITCH Bonds rated AAA by Fitch are judged by Fitch to be strictly high grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions liable to but slight market fluctuation other than through changes in the money rate. The prime feature of an AAA bond is a showing of earnings several times or many times interest requirements, with such stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes occur in conditions. Bonds rated AA by Fitch are judged by Fitch to be of safety virtually beyond question and are readily salable, whose merits are not unlike those of the AAA class, but whose margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly secured but influenced as to rating by the lesser financial power of the enterprise and more local type market. Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings. Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings. Bonds rated BB are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements. Bonds rated B are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue. THOMSON Bonds rated AAA by Thomson BankWatch indicate that the ability to repay principal and interest on a timely basis is extremely high. Bonds rated AA indicate a very strong ability to repay principal and interest on a timely basis, with limited incremental risk compared to issues rated in the highest category. Bonds rated A indicate the ability to repay principal and interest is strong. Issues rated A could be more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher ratings. Bonds rated BBB (the lowest investment-grade category) indicate an acceptable capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated `"BBB'" are, however, more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher ratings. While not investment grade, the BB rating suggests that the likelihood of default is considerably less than for lower-rated issues. However, there are significant uncertainties that could affect the ability to adequately service debt obligations. Issues rated B show a higher degree of uncertainty and therefore greater likelihood of default than higher-rated issues. Adverse developments could negatively affect the payment of interest and principal on a timely basis. A-4 Filename: sticlasspartc.txt Type: 485APOS Comment/Description: Sti Classic Part C 485 A Filing 1_02 (This header is not part of the document) STI CLASSIC FUNDS PART C: OTHER INFORMATION POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 42 Item 23. Exhibits: (a) Declaration of Trust as originally filed with Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed February 12, 1992 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (b) Amended and Restated By-Laws, as approved by the Board of Trustees on August 15, 2000, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-00-000528 on September 21, 2000. (c) Not applicable. (d)(1) Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed August 2, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (d)(2) Investment Advisory Agreement with American National Bank and Trust Company as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 filed October 22, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (d)(3) Investment Advisory Agreement with Sun Bank Capital Management, National Association (now Trusco Capital Management, Inc.) as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 filed October 22, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (d)(4) Investment Advisory Agreement with Trust Company Bank (now Trusco Capital Management, Inc.) as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 filed October 22, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit D(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-98-028802 on July 30, 1998. (d)(5) Revised Schedule A to the Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. dated May 24, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-99-037088 on September 28, 1999. (d)(6) Revised Schedule A to the Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. dated October 1, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-99-007899 on December 1, 1999. (d)(7) Revised Schedule A to the Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. dated March 27, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000916641-00-000365 on March 28, 2000. (e) Distribution Agreement dated May 26, 1992 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-021336 on September 27, 1996. (f) Not applicable. (g)(1) Custodian Agreement with Trust Company Bank dated February 1, 1994 originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed September 28, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (g)(2) Custodian Agreement with the Bank of California is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (g)(3) Fourth Amendment to Custodian Agreement by and between STI Trust & Investment Operations, Inc. and The Bank of New York dated May 6, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-97-032207 on September 30, 1997. (h)(1) Transfer Agent Agreement with Federated Services Company dated May 14, 1994 originally filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 filed September 22, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit C-1 8(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (h)(2) Administration Agreement with SEI Financial Management Corporation dated May 29, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-99-037088 on September 28, 1999. (h)(3) Consent to Assignment and Assumption of the Administration Agreement between STI Classic Funds and SEI Financial Management Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-97-032207 on September 30, 1997. (i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) of Post Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-01-500566 on September 28, 2001. (j) Not applicable. (k) Not applicable. (l) Not applicable. (m)(1) Distribution Plan - Investor Class is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-021336 on September 27, 1996. (m)(2) Distribution and Service Agreement relating to Flex Shares dated May 29, 1995 as originally filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 filed August 17, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. (n)(1) Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-98-027407 on July 15, 1998. (n)(2) Certificate of Class Designation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-99-009731 on April 15, 1999. (o) Powers of Attorney are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o) of Post Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-00-000528 on September 21, 2000. (p)(1) Code of Ethics for STI Classic Funds are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000916641-00-000365 on March 28, 2000. (p)(2) Code of SEI Investments Company as of December 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement of SEI Insurance Products Trust (SEC No. 333-70013) filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-01-511209 on April 27, 2001. (p)(3) Code of Ethics for Trusco Capital Management, Inc. are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000916641-00-000365 on March 28, 2000. (p)(4) Code of Ethics for Trusco Capital Management, Inc., as approved by the Board of Trustees on August 15, 2000, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-00-000528 on September 21, 2000. Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant: See the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information regarding the Trust's control relationships. The Administrator is a subsidiary of SEI Investments which also controls the distributor of the Registrant, SEI Investments Distribution Co., and other corporations engaged in providing various financial and record keeping services, primarily to bank trust departments, pension plan sponsors, and investment managers. Item 25. Indemnification: Article VIII of the Agreement of Declaration of Trust filed as Exhibit (a) to the Registration Statement is incorporated by reference. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange C-2 Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues. Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisors: Other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or principal officer of each Advisor is or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee are as follows:
NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- James M. Wells SunTrust Banks, Inc. Vice-Chairman Director William H. Rogers SunTrust Banks, Inc. Executive Vice President Director Douglas S. Phillips -- -- President/CEO/Director Paul L. Robertson, III -- -- Executive Vice President/Secretary/Treasurer Andrew J. Muldoon, III -- -- Executive Vice President G. Bradley Ball SunTrust Bank Executive Vice President Executive Vice President Robert J. Rhodes -- -- Executive Vice President David C. Anderson SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Charles B. Arrington -- -- Vice President Frances J. Aylor -- -- Vice President Craig Anthony Bardo SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President C-3 NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- Brett L. Barner -- -- Vice President Richard M. Bemis SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Theresa N. Benson SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Edward E. Best -- -- Managing Director Gordon Boardway SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Noel Crissman Boggan -- -- Vice President Robert S. Bowman -- -- Managing Director Casey C. Brogdon -- -- Managing Director Daniel Bromstad -- -- Vice President Carrie Ann Callahan SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President George E. Calvert, Jr. -- -- Vice President Ann Caner SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Gay B. Cash SunTrust Bank, Atlanta First Vice President Vice President C. William Cherry, Jr. -- -- Vice President Shane Coldren -- -- Vice President Jennifer M. Constine -- -- Vice President Robert W. Corner -- -- Vice President J. Chadwick Deakins -- -- Vice President C-4 NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- L. Earl Denney -- -- Managing Director James R. Dillon, Jr. -- -- Managing Director Martin J. Duffy -- -- Vice President Mary Durkin Vice President Bob M. Farmer -- -- Managing Director Douglas J. Farmer -- -- Vice President James P. Foster -- -- Vice President Holly Freeman SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Mark D. Garfinkel -- -- Vice President Alan M. Gayle -- -- Managing Director Eunice Gillespie -- -- Vice President Steven Elliott Gordon SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Brian Gupton SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Neil L. Halpert -- -- Vice President Melvin E. Hamilton -- -- Managing Director John M. Hamlin -- -- Vice President Peter P. Hardy -- -- Vice President David Hatter SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Edward Hugh Head -- -- Vice President C-5 NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- Ken Hessel -- -- Vice President Michael Todd Hill -- -- Vice President Michael J. Honsharuk -- -- Vice President Christopher A. Jones -- -- Managing Director Christine Y. Keefe -- -- Vice President Alan S. Kelley -- -- Vice President Christian G. Koch -- -- Vice President James E. Kofron -- -- Vice President Thomas Krahe SunTrust Bank Senior Vice President Managing Director Wayne G. Larochelle -- -- Managing Director Kurt Laubinger SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Charles B. Leonard -- -- Managing Director Daniel J. Lewis -- -- Vice President William Longon -- -- Vice President Kimberly C. Maichle -- -- Vice President James B. Mallory -- -- Vice President Jeffrey E. Markunas -- -- Managing Director Robert Preston Martin SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President C-6 NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- James G. McKinley, III -- -- Vice President R. Douglas Mitchell -- -- Vice President Kurt T. Momand -- -- Managing Director Peter T. Montgomery -- -- Vice President Jonathan C. Mote -- -- Vice President Timothy James Nash SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Robert Neinken SunTrust Bank Senior Vice President Managing Director Steven A. Noone -- -- Managing Director Stuart L. Oglesby -- -- Vice President Agnes G. Pampush -- -- Managing Director Christopher Paolella SunTrust Bank Senior Vice President Managing Director Patrick Paparelli -- -- Managing Director Sheri L. Paquette -- -- Vice President Ty Parrish SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Elliott A. Perny -- -- Managing Director James Phebus Jr. -- -- Vice President Gary Plourde SunTrust Bank Senior Vice President Managing Director Elizabeth G. Pola -- -- Managing Director C-7 NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- Neil J. Powers -- -- Managing Director Joe E. Ransom -- -- Managing Director Boyce G. Reid -- -- Vice President Mills A. Riddick -- -- Managing Director Josie C. Rosson -- -- Vice President Marc H. Schneidau -- -- Vice President Ronald H. Schwartz -- -- Managing Director Garrett P. Smith -- -- Managing Director George D. Smith, Jr. -- -- Vice President Celia S. Stanley -- -- Vice President Ellen Spong -- -- Vice President John H. Stebbins -- -- Managing Director E. Sonny Surkin -- -- Vice President Hubert Swecker SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Howard Udis SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Mark Valle SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President Jeff Vogelbacker -- -- First Vice President Joseph Walsh SunTrust Bank Vice President Vice President C-8 NAME NAME OF OTHER COMPANY CONNECTION WITH OTHER COMPANY Trusco Capital Management, Inc. ------------------------------- David E. West -- -- Managing Director Elizabeth Wilson -- -- Managing Director William L. Wilson, Jr. -- -- Vice President Donald Wordell -- -- Vice President Natalie Wright -- -- Vice President Stephen M. Yarbrough -- -- Managing Director David S. Yealy -- -- Managing Director
Item 27. Principal Underwriters: (a) Furnish the name of each investment company (other than the Registrant) for which each principal underwriter currently distributing the securities of the Registrant also acts as a principal underwriter, distributor or investment adviser. Registrant's distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor"), acts as distributor for: SEI Daily Income Trust July 15, 1982 SEI Liquid Asset Trust November 29, 1982 SEI Tax Exempt Trust December 3, 1982 SEI Index Funds July 10, 1985 SEI Institutional Managed Trust January 22, 1987 SEI Institutional International Trust August 30, 1988 The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund November 14, 1991 STI Classic Funds May 29, 1992 The Arbor Fund January 28, 1993 Bishop Street Funds January 27, 1995 STI Classic Variable Trust August 18, 1995 SEI Asset Allocation Trust April 1, 1996 SEI Institutional Investments Trust June 14, 1996 HighMark Funds February 15, 1997 Armada Funds March 8, 1997 Expedition Funds June 9, 1997 Oak Associates Funds February 27, 1998 The Nevis Fund, Inc. June 29, 1998 CNI Charter Funds April 1, 1999 The Armada Advantage Fund May 1, 1999 Amerindo Funds Inc. July 13, 1999 Friends Ivory Funds December 16, 1999 iShares Inc. January 28, 2000 SEI Insurance Products Trust March 29, 2000 iShares Trust April 25, 2000 Pitcairn Funds August 1, 2000 C-9 First Focus Funds, Inc. October 1, 2000 JohnsonFamily Funds, Inc. November 1, 2000 The MDL Funds January 24, 2001 Causeway Capital Management Trust September 20, 2001
The Distributor provides numerous financial services to investment managers, pension plan sponsors, and bank trust departments. These services include portfolio evaluation, performance measurement and consulting services ("Funds Evaluation") and automated execution, clearing and settlement of securities transactions ("MarketLink"). (b) Furnish the Information required by the following table with respect to each director, officer or partner of each principal underwriter named in the answer to Item 20 of Part B. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each director or officer is Oaks, PA 19456. C-10
Position and Office Positions and Offices NAME with underwriter with registrant ---- -------------------- --------------- Alfred P. West, Jr. Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors -- Richard B. Lieb Director, Executive Vice President -- Carmen V. Romeo Director -- Mark J. Held President & Chief Operating Officer -- Dennis J. McGonigle Executive Vice President -- Robert M. Silvestri Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer -- Todd Cipperman Senior Vice President & General Counsel -- Carl A. Guarino Senior Vice President -- Jack May Senior Vice President -- Kevin P. Robins Senior Vice President -- Patrick K. Walsh Senior Vice President -- Wayne M. Withrow Senior Vice President -- Robert Aller Vice President -- John D. Anderson Vice President & Managing Director -- Timothy D. Barto Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- Robert Crudup Vice President & Managing Director -- Richard A. Deak Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- Scott W. Dellorfano Vice President & Managing Director -- Barbara Doyne Vice President -- Jeff Drennen Vice President -- Scott C. Fanatico Vice President & Managing Director -- Vic Galef Vice President & Managing Director -- Steven A. Gardner Vice President & Managing Director -- Lydia A. Gavalis Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- Greg Gettinger Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- Kathy Heilig Vice President -- Jeff Jacobs Vice President -- Bridget Jensen Vice President -- Samuel King Vice President -- John Kirk Vice President & Managing Director -- Kim Kirk Vice President & Managing Director -- John Krzeminski Vice President & Managing Director -- Karen LaTourette Secretary -- Alan H. Lauder Vice President -- Paul Lonergan Vice President & Managing Director -- Ellen Marquis Vice President -- Christine M. McCullough Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- Carolyn McLaurin Vice President & Managing Director -- Mark Nagle Vice President -- Joanne Nelson Vice President -- Rob Redican Vice President -- Maria Rinehart Vice President -- Steve Smith Vice President -- Daniel Spaventa Vice President -- Kathryn L. Stanton Vice President -- Sherry K. Vetterlein Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- Lori L. White Vice President & Assistant Secretary -- William E. Zitelli, Jr. Vice President & Assistant Secretary --
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records: Books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules promulgated thereunder, are maintained as follows: (a) With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1); (2)(a) and (b); (3); (6); (8); (12); and 31a-1(d), the required books and records are maintained at the offices of Registrant's Custodians: C-11 Trust Company Bank Park Place P.O. Box 105504 Atlanta, Georgia 30348 Bank of New York One Wall Street New York, New York (International Equity Index Fund, International Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Fund) (b)/(c) With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1),(4); (2)(C) and (D); (4); (5); (6); (8); (9); (10); (11); and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the offices of Registrant's Administrator: SEI Investments Mutual Funds Services One Freedom Valley Road Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456 (c) With respect to Rules 31a-1(b)(5), (6), (9) and (10) and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the principal offices of the Registrant's Advisors: Trusco Capital Management P.O. Box 3808 Orlando, Florida 32802 Trusco Capital Management 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Trusco Capital Management 25 Park Place Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Item 29. Management Services: None. Item 30. Undertakings: None. C-12 NOTICE A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust for STI Classic Funds is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this Registration Statement has been executed on behalf of the Trust by an officer of the Trust as an officer and by its Trustees as trustees and not individually and the obligations of or arising out of this Registration Statement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers, or Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust. C-13 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to Registration Statement No. 33-45671 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Oaks, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the __th day of January, 2002. By: * ------------------------------- James R. Foggo, President Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacity on the dates indicated. * Trustee January __, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- F. Wendell Gooch * Trustee January __, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Jonathan T. Walton * Trustee January __, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- James O. Robbins * Trustee January __, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Thomas Gallagher * President January __, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- James R. Foggo * Treasurer & Chief January __, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Financial Officer Jennifer Spratley * By: ---------------------------------------------- Todd B. Cipperman, With Power of Attorney
C-14 EXHIBIT INDEX NUMBER EXHIBIT ------ ------- EX-99.A Declaration of Trust as originally filed with Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed February 12, 1992 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.B Amended and Restated By-Laws, as approved by the Board of Trustees on August 15, 2000, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-00-000528 on September 21, 2000. EX-99.C Not applicable. EX-99.D1 Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed August 2, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.D2 Investment Advisory Agreement with American National Bank and Trust Company as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 filed October 22, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.D3 Investment Advisory Agreement with Sun Bank Capital Management National Association (now Trusco Capital Management, Inc.) as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 filed October 22, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.D4 Investment Advisory Agreement with Trust Company Bank (now Trusco Capital Management, Inc.) as originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 filed October 22, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit D(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469- 98-028802 on July 30, 1998. EX-99.D5 Revised Schedule A to the Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. dated May 24, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post- Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-99-037088 on September 28, 1999. EX-99.D6 Revised Schedule A to the Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. dated October 1, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-99-007899 on December 1, 1999. EX-99.D7 Revised Schedule A to the Revised Investment Advisory Agreement with Trusco Capital Management, Inc. dated March 27, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000916641-00-000365 on March 28, 2000. EX-99.E Distribution Agreement dated May 26, 1992 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-021336 on September 27, 1996. EX-99.F Not applicable. EX-99.G1 Custodian Agreement with Trust Company Bank dated February 1, 1994 originally filed with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed September 28, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.G2 Custodian Agreement with the Bank of California is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. C-15 EX-99.G3 Fourth Amendment to Custodian Agreement by and between STI Trust & Investment Operations, Inc. and The Bank of New York dated May 6, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-97-032207 on September 30, 1997. EX-99.H1 Transfer Agent Agreement with Federated Services Company dated May 14, 1994 originally filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 filed September 22, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.H2 Administration Agreement with SEI Financial Management Corporation dated May 29, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-99- 037088 on September 28, 1999. EX-99.H3 Consent to Assignment and Assumption of the Administration Agreement between STI Classic Funds and SEI Financial Management Corporation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-97-032207 on September 30, 1997. EX-99.I Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) of Post Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-01-500566 on September 28, 2001. EX-99.J Not applicable. EX-99.K Not applicable. EX-99.L Not applicable. EX-99.M1 Distribution Plan - Investor Class is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15 of Post- Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-021336 on September 27, 1996. EX-99.M2 Distribution and Service Agreement relating to Flex Shares dated May 29, 1995 as originally filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 filed August 17, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057-96-015938 on July 31, 1996. EX-99.N1 Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-98-027407 on July 15, 1998. EX-99.N2 Certificate of Class Designation is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o)(1) of Post- Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-99-009731 on April 15, 1999. EX-99.O Powers of Attorney are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o) of Post Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-00-000528 on September 21, 2000. EX-99.P1 Code of Ethics for STI Classic Funds are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000916641-00-000365 on March 28, 2000. EX-99.P2 Code of SEI Investments Company as of December 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement of SEI Insurance Products Trust (SEC No. 333-70013) filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000912057- 01-511209 on April 27, 2001. EX-99.P3 Code of Ethics for Trusco Capital Management, Inc. are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000916641-00-000365 on March 28, 2000. EX-99.P4 Code of Ethics for Trusco Capital Management, Inc., as approved by the Board of Trustees on August 15, 2000, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000935069-00-000528 on September 21, 2000. C-16