7. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The University leases certain land, buildings and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases due each year are as follows at June 30, 2011:


2011	$	2,433
2012		5,344
2013		5,691
2014		5,280
2015		4,376
Thereafter		13,615

Total minimum payments	$	36,739

Total rent expense and related taxes and operating expenses under operating leases for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were $3,249 and $2,327, respectively.

Legal Matters

From time to time, the University is a party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. When the University is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the University records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the University discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved is material. With respect to the majority of pending litigation matters, the University’s ultimate legal and financial responsibility, if any, cannot be estimated with certainty and, in most cases, any potential losses related to those matters are not considered probable.

In connection with the settlement of the qui tam lawsuit that had been filed against the University in August 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona (the “Court”), which settlement was approved by the Court in August 2010, the University paid $5,200 in accordance with the settlement agreement in the second quarter of 2011. This amount had been accrued for payment since September 2009.

Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the University may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Management does not believe that any such charges would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the University’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Tax Reserves, Non-Income Tax Related

From time to time the University has exposure to various non-income tax related matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the University had reserved approximately $83 and $92, respectively, for tax matters where its ultimate exposure is considered probable and the potential loss can be reasonably estimated.