NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 6, 2002--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it assigned its 'SP-1+' rating to the University of Pittsburgh's $56 million Pitt Asset notes (PANTHERS), series 2002B. Standard&Poor's also said it affirmed its 'AA-', 'A-1+', and 'SP-1+' ratings, as well as its 'AA-' underlying rating (SPUR), on the university's outstanding debt. Earlier this year, Standard&Poor's revised its rating outlook on the University of Pittsburgh's outstanding debt, to positive from stable. In conjunction with the short-term, 'SP-1+' rating assigned to this series of notes, Standard&Poor's is affirming the positive outlook as well. The university's long-term rating reflects its unsecured general obligation pledge, supported by solid demand for comprehensive academic programs;
