West Virginia University
Policy
Division of Administration and Finance
WVU-A&FS-7
REVENUE RECOGNITION POLICY
PURPOSETo provide general principles and guidelines for the proper accounting of West Virginia University's operating and nonoperating revenues.
SCOPEThis Policy applies to all WVU units, including those on the regional campuses (Potomac State College of WVU, WVU at Parkersburg, WVU Institute of Technology, Charleston division of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Jackson's Mill State 4-H Conference Center and Camp, and the WVU Farms).
POLICYA. Definition of Revenue
Revenues are inflows or other enhancements of assets of an entity or settlements of its liabilities (or a combination of both) from delivering or producing goods, rendering services, or other activities that constitute the entity's ongoing major or central operations.
B. Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized based on accrual accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Revenues are recognized when earned, regardless of the timing of cash receipts. Revenue is considered earned when the University has substantially met its obligation to be entitled to the benefits represented by the revenue. Deposits, advance payments and progress payments for programs or activities to be conducted primarily in the next fiscal year are classified as deferred revenues and are recognized as revenue only when the revenue producing event has occurred.
C. Types of Revenue
Revenues are classified as either operating or nonoperating. Operating revenues include -
The University recognizes revenue from student tuition & fees when earned (i.e., when classes begin) rather than when paid. Deposits and prepayments of tuition and fees are recorded as deferred revenue until the start of the period for which they are intended. Tuition is recorded in the financial statements net of discounts and scholarships.
Auxiliary enterprises are departments organized specifically to provide goods and services to students, faculty and staff at a fee directly related to the cost of the goods and services provided. Examples include Intercollegiate Athletics department and Housing & Dining services. Auxiliary revenues are recognized when earned. Such revenues are recorded net of scholarship allowances and discounts. Prepayments of football tickets, orientation fees, and room and board are recorded as deferred revenue.
A large number of the University's federal, state, local and nongovernmental grants and contracts are "reimbursement-type" or "expenditure-driven." (i.e., expenditures are the prime factor for generating revenue). In these sponsored agreements, revenue is recognized to the amount of expenditures. Advance payments on sponsored awards are recorded as deferred revenue until an expenditure is incurred or another measurable factor is achieved. Facilities and Administrative expenses associated with research or other activity are also recognized as the expenses for the activity are incurred.
The University receives appropriations from federal agencies for agricultural and forestry research, state agricultural experiment stations and for extension services. Such revenue is classified as restricted operating revenue and is recognized when received.
Certain University activities which relate incidentally to instruction and research generate revenues in their normal course of business. These activities are recorded as sales and services of educational departments. Revenue is recognized when earned, i.e., when goods are delivered or services are rendered.
Other revenues not classified in any of the other categories are recorded as other operating revenues. These include revenue from leasing of the University's academic bookstores and retail stores. Such revenue is also recognized when earned.
Nonoperating revenues include -
Appropriation of state general revenue is made directly to the University through the annual budget digest. The University receives these resources in accordance with a quarterly allotment schedule established by the State Budget Office. The University recognizes revenue as such allotments are received.
Monetary gifts are recorded as gift revenue when received. Noncash gifts or gifts-in-kind are recorded as capital gifts revenue at their estimated fair market value as of the date of the gift.
Investments are presented at fair value, based on quoted market values. The University recognizes as unrealized gains or losses the increases and decreases related to market activity. The University further records investment income as interest, dividends and similar payments when earned. Loss on investments is classified as contra revenue, reducing the investment income.
PROCEDURE
Accounting & Financial Systems is responsible for procedure development.
RESPONSIBILITYThe responsibility for implementation and interpretation of this policy rests with Accounting & Financial Systems.
RELATED DOCUMENTS AND POLICIES
WVU Gifts Received Policy.
| Approved: | Scott C. Kelley | 7/1/03
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| Vice President for Administration & HR | Date |