Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A+' rating to the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University's $33.73 million certificates of participation (COPs) series 2004A, issued on behalf of Southern Illinois University (SIU). At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A+' underlying rating (SPUR) on the board's various outstanding debt issued on behalf of SIU. The 'A+' rating on the COPs reflects SIU's: Broad unlimited student fee pledge and strong lease covenants; Funding position within the state of Illinois' ('AA' rating, negative outlook) system of higher education; Comprehensive course offerings, including medicine, law, engineering, and dental programs; Stable demand and enrollment; Adequate liquidity relative to pro forma debt, with fiscal 2003 adjusted unrestricted net assets equal to