SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
497, 1997-02-06
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<PAGE>
SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
JANUARY 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CORE FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
BOND PORTFOLIO
HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
portfolios. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing, and keep it
on file for future reference.
 
A Statement of Additional Information dated January 31, 1997, has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, Oaks,
Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-342-5734. The Statement of Additional
Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.
 
SEI Institutional Managed Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company, certain classes of which offer financial institutions a
convenient means of investing their own funds or funds for which they act in a
fiduciary, agency or custodial capacity in professionally managed diversified
portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes of shares that
differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain distribution
expenses, sales charges and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers
the Class A shares of the fixed income portfolios (each a "Portfolio" and,
together, the "Portfolios") listed above.
 
THE HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO INVESTS PRIMARILY, AND MAY INVEST ALL OF ITS
ASSETS, IN LOWER RATED BONDS, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "JUNK BONDS." THESE
SECURITIES ARE SPECULATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF PRINCIPAL
AND INTEREST THAN INVESTMENTS IN HIGHER RATED BONDS. BECAUSE INVESTMENT IN SUCH
SECURITIES ENTAILS GREATER RISKS, INCLUDING RISK OF DEFAULT, AN INVESTMENT IN
THE HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO SHOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE INVESTMENT
PROGRAM AND MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL INVESTORS. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY
CONSIDER THE RISKS POSED BY AN INVESTMENT IN THE HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO
BEFORE INVESTING. SEE "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES," "RISK FACTORS" AND
THE "APPENDIX."
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
 A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
 THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
 ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK. THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
 FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
 GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE
 LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)        CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CORE FIXED               HIGH YIELD
                                                 INCOME       BOND         BOND
                                               PORTFOLIO    PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO
                                               ----------   ---------   ----------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>         <C>
Management Fee/Advisory Fees (AFTER FEE
 WAIVER) (1)                                        0.51%       0.43%        0.77%
12b-1 Fees                                           None        None         None
Total Other Expenses                                0.09%       0.17%        0.08%
   Shareholder Servicing Fees (AFTER FEE
     WAIVER) (2)                               0.00%        0.00%       0.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (AFTER FEE WAIVERS)
 (3)                                                0.60%       0.60%        0.85%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) SEI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION ("SFM") HAS AGREED TO WAIVE, ON A
    VOLUNTARY BASIS, A PORTION OF ITS MANAGEMENT FEE, AND THE MANAGEMENT/
    ADVISORY FEES SHOWN REFLECT THIS VOLUNTARY WAIVER. SFM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO
    TERMINATE ITS WAIVER AT ANY TIME IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. ABSENT SUCH FEE
    WAIVER, MANAGEMENT/ADVISORY FEES WOULD BE: CORE FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO,
    .56%; BOND PORTFOLIO, .56%; AND HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO, .84%.
 
(2) THE DISTRIBUTOR HAS WAIVED, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, ALL OR A PORTION OF ITS
    SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEE, AND THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEES SHOWN REFLECT
    THIS WAIVER. THE DISTRIBUTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE ITS WAIVER AT
    ANY TIME IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. ABSENT SUCH WAIVER, SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
    FEES WOULD BE .25% FOR EACH PORTFOLIO.
 
(3) ABSENT THESE FEE WAIVERS, TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES FOR CLASS A SHARES OF THE
    PORTFOLIOS WOULD BE: CORE FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO .90%; BOND PORTFOLIO, .98%;
    AND HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO, 1.17%. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND
    UNDER "THE ADVISER," "THE SUB-ADVISERS" AND "THE MANAGER."
 
EXAMPLE                                                                  CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1 YR.    3 YRS.    5 YRS.    10 YRS.
                                               ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
An investor in a Portfolio would pay the
 following expenses on a $1,000
 investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return
 and (2) redemption at the end
 of each time period:
  Core Fixed Income Portfolio                  $   6    $   19    $   33    $    75
  Bond Portfolio                               $   6    $   19    $   33    $    75
  High Yield Bond Portfolio                    $   9    $   27    $   47    $   105
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF THE PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
THE PURPOSE OF THE EXPENSE TABLE AND EXAMPLE IS TO ASSIST THE INVESTOR IN
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS COSTS AND EXPENSES THAT MAY BE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
BORNE BY THE INVESTORS IN CLASS A SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS. CERTAIN PORTFOLIOS
OF THE TRUST ALSO OFFER CLASS D SHARES, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME EXPENSES,
EXCEPT THAT CLASS D SHARES BEAR DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTION COSTS, ADDITIONAL
TRANSFER AGENT COSTS AND SALES CHARGES. A PERSON WHO PURCHASES SHARES THROUGH A
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MAY BE CHARGED SEPARATE FEES BY THAT INSTITUTION.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND UNDER "THE MANAGER," "THE ADVISER." "THE
SUB-ADVISERS" AND "DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING."
 
                                                                               2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                  ______________________________________________________________
 
The following information has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Trust's
independent accountants, as indicated in their report dated November 22, 1996 on
the Trust's financial statements as of September 30, 1996 incorporated by
reference into the Trust's Statement of Additional Information. The Trust's
financial statements and additional performance information are set forth in the
1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is available upon request and without
charge by calling 1-800-342-5734. This table should be read in conjunction with
the Trust's financial statements and notes thereto.
 
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    NET ASSET                NET REALIZED AND   DIVIDENDS
                      VALUE        NET          UNREALIZED       FROM NET    DISTRIBUTIONS   NET ASSET
                    BEGINNING   INVESTMENT    GAINS (LOSSES)    INVESTMENT   FROM REALIZED   VALUE END
                    OF PERIOD     INCOME      ON SECURITIES       INCOME     CAPITAL GAINS   OF PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>         <C>          <C>                <C>          <C>             <C>
- ------------------
CORE FIXED INCOME
PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
CLASS A
  1996               $  10.46     $0.64           $(0.18)         $(0.69)       $--           $  10.23
  1995                   9.65      0.65             0.82           (0.66)       --               10.46
  1994                  10.87      0.56            (1.12)          (0.55)        (0.11)           9.65
  1993                  10.77      0.60             0.28           (0.60)        (0.18)          10.87
  1992                  10.30      0.69             0.49           (0.69)        (0.02)          10.77
  1991                   9.79      0.73             0.52           (0.74)       --               10.30
  1990                   9.95      0.75            (0.12)          (0.76)        (0.03)           9.79
  1989                   9.89      0.82             0.06           (0.82)       --                9.95
  1988                   9.84      0.82             0.07           (0.84)       --                9.89
  1987(1)               10.00      0.34            (0.25)          (0.25)       --                9.84
- ---------------
BOND PORTFOLIO
- ---------------
CLASS A
  1996               $  10.86     $0.62           $(0.19)         $(0.68)       $--           $  10.61
  1995                   9.95      0.70             0.97           (0.69)        (0.07)          10.86
  1994                  12.25      0.59            (1.62)          (0.59)        (0.68)           9.95
  1993                  11.09      0.66             1.19           (0.67)        (0.02)          12.25
  1992                  10.47      0.73             0.62           (0.73)       --               11.09
  1991                   9.39      0.76             1.10           (0.77)        (0.01)          10.47
  1990                  10.38      0.81            (0.69)          (0.82)        (0.29)           9.39
  1989                   9.83      0.81             0.74           (0.79)        (0.21)          10.38
  1988                   9.16      0.81             0.71           (0.84)        (0.01)           9.83
  1987(2)               10.00      0.29            (0.93)          (0.20)       --                9.16
- ------------------
HIGH YIELD BOND
PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
  1996               $  10.64     $0.94           $ 0.62          $(1.03)       $(0.03)       $  11.14
  1995(3)               10.00      0.67             0.55           (0.58)       --               10.64
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       RATIO OF NET
                                                                           RATIO OF     INVESTMENT
                                                           RATIO OF NET    EXPENSE        INCOME
                                               RATIO OF     INVESTMENT    TO AVERAGE    TO AVERAGE
                                NET ASSETS     EXPENSES       INCOME      NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS    PORTFOLIO
                     TOTAL        END OF      TO AVERAGE    TO AVERAGE    (EXCLUDING    (EXCLUDING    TURNOVER
                     RETURN    PERIOD (000)   NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS     WAIVERS)      WAIVERS)       RATE
- ------------------
<S>                 <C>        <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
- ------------------
CORE FIXED INCOME
PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
CLASS A
  1996                 4.51%     $  655,300      0.57%         6.24%         0.64%         6.17%        311%
  1995                15.87%        419,959      0.55%         6.60%         0.68%         6.47%        294%
  1994               (5.36)%        311,955      0.55%         5.57%         0.62%         5.50%        370%
  1993                 8.58%        295,798      0.55%         5.63%         0.66%         5.52%         35%
  1992                11.91%        213,632      0.55%         6.71%         0.68%         6.58%         39%
  1991                13.31%        153,356      0.55%         7.41%         0.73%         7.23%         44%
  1990                 6.58%         83,876      0.55%         7.79%         0.76%         7.58%         40%
  1989                 9.39%         42,707      0.55%         8.57%         0.87%         8.25%         42%
  1988                 9.34%         25,661      0.47%         8.57%         1.12%         7.92%         34%
  1987(1)              2.26%         11,201      0.33%         8.59%         1.08%         7.84%          7%
- ---------------
BOND PORTFOLIO
- ---------------
CLASS A
  1996                 4.01%     $   28,863      0.57%         5.68%         0.70%         5.55%         66%
  1995                17.53%         54,286      0.55%         6.46%         0.70%         6.31%         79%
  1994               (9.12)%        123,329      0.55%         5.61%         0.67%         5.49%         73%
  1993                17.36%         97,163      0.55%         5.87%         0.66%         5.76%         47%
  1992                13.52%         65,061      0.55%         6.98%         0.71%         6.82%         24%
  1991                20.56%         40,683      0.55%         7.77%         0.76%         7.56%          8%
  1990                 0.97%         20,339      0.55%         8.06%         0.78%         7.83%         89%
  1989                16.60%         27,580      0.55%         8.21%         0.87%         7.89%        108%
  1988                17.22%         12,194      0.45%         8.54%         1.13%         7.86%        125%
  1987(2)           (15.67)%          5,762      0.35%         8.38%         1.69%         7.04%         48%
- ------------------
HIGH YIELD BOND
PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
  1996                15.46%     $  107,545      0.87%         9.01%         0.94%         8.94%         55%
  1995(3)             17.72%         23,724      0.67%        10.02%         0.86%         9.83%         56%
</TABLE>
 
 (1) CORE FIXED INCOME CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING MAY 1, 1987. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 
 (2) BOND CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING MAY 4, 1987. ALL RATIOS
    INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 
 (3) HIGH YIELD BOND CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING JANUARY 11, 1995. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 
                                                                               3
<PAGE>
THE TRUST
      __________________________________________________________________________
 
SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end investment
management company that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in
separate diversified and non-diversified portfolios. This prospectus offers
Class A shares of the Trust's Core Fixed Income, Bond and High Yield Bond
Portfolios (each a "Portfolio" and, together, the "Portfolios"). The investment
adviser and investment sub-advisers to the Portfolios are referred to
collectively as the "advisers." Additional information pertaining to the Trust
may be obtained by writing from SEI Financial Services Company, Oaks,
Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
     ___________________________________________________________________________
CORE FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Core Fixed Income Portfolio
                     is current income consistent with the preservation of
                     capital. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                     achieve its investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in fixed income
                     securities that are rated investment grade or better, i.e.,
                     rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a
                     nationally recognized statistical rating organization
                     ("NRSRO") at the time of purchase, or, if not rated,
                     determined to be of comparable quality by the advisers.
                     Fixed income securities in which the Portfolio may invest
                     consist of: (i) corporate bonds and debentures, (ii)
                     obligations issued by the United States Government, its
                     agencies and instrumentalities, (iii) municipal securities
                     of issuers located in all fifty states, the District of
                     Columbia, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories and
                     possessions, consisting of municipal bonds, municipal
                     notes, tax-exempt commercial paper and municipal lease
                     obligations, (iv) receipts involving U.S. Treasury
                     obligations, (v) mortgage-backed securities, (vi)
                     asset-backed securities, and (vii) zero coupon, pay-in-kind
                     or deferred payment securities.
 
                           Any remaining assets may be invested in: (i)
                     interest-only and principal-only components of
                     mortgage-backed securities, (ii) mortgage dollar rolls,
                     (iii) securities issued on a when-issued and
                     delayed-delivery basis, including TBA mortgage-backed
                     securities, (iv) warrants, (v) money market securities, and
                     (vi) Yankee obligations. In addition, the Portfolio may
                     purchase or write options, futures (including futures on
                     U.S. Treasury obligations and Eurodollar instruments) and
                     options on futures.
 
                           Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed
                     income security on a cash flow basis. Most debt obligations
                     provide interest payments and a final payment at maturity.
                     Some also have put or call provisions that allow the
                     security to be redeemed at specified dates prior to
                     maturity. Duration incorporates yield, coupon interest
                     payments, final maturity and call features into a single
                     measure. The advisers therefore consider duration a more
                     accurate measure of a security's expected life and
                     sensitivity to interest rate changes than is the security's
                     term to maturity.
 
                                                                               4
<PAGE>
                           The Core Fixed Income Portfolio invests in a
                     portfolio with a dollar-weighted average duration that
                     will, under normal market conditions, stay within plus or
                     minus 20% of what the advisers believe to be the average
                     duration of the domestic bond market as a whole. The
                     advisers base their analysis of the average duration of the
                     domestic bond market on bond market indices which they
                     believe to be representative. The advisers currently use
                     the Lehman Aggregate Bond Index for this purpose.
 
                           The Portfolio's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%.
                     Such a turnover rate may lead to higher transaction costs
                     and may result in higher taxes for shareholders. See
                     "Taxes."
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-advisers are
                     BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., Firstar Investment
                     Research & Management Company and Western Asset Management
                     Company.
 
BOND PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Bond Portfolio is current
                     income consistent with preservation of capital. There can
                     be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its
                     investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in fixed income
                     securities that are rated investment grade or better, i.e.,
                     rated in one of the four highest rating categories by an
                     NRSRO at the time of purchase, or, if not rated, determined
                     to be of comparable quality by the advisers. Fixed income
                     securities in which the Portfolio may invest consist of:
                     (i) corporate bonds and debentures, (ii) obligations issued
                     by the United States Government, its agencies and
                     instrumentalities, (iii) receipts involving U.S. Treasury
                     obligations, (iv) mortgage-backed securities, (v) asset-
                     backed securities, and (vi) zero coupon, pay-in-kind or
                     deferred payment securities.
 
                           Any remaining assets may be invested in: (i)
                     convertible securities, (ii) securities issued on a
                     when-issued and delayed-delivery basis, including TBA
                     mortgage-backed securities, (iii) money market securities,
                     and (iv) Yankee obligations. In addition, the Portfolio may
                     purchase or write options, futures and options on futures.
 
                           There are no restrictions on the Portfolio's
                     maturity.
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-adviser is
                     Boatmen's Trust Company.
 
HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the High Yield Bond Portfolio
                     is to maximize total return. There can be no assurance that
                     the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in fixed income
                     securities that are rated below investment grade, i.e.,
                     rated below the top four rating categories by an NRSRO at
                     the time of purchase, or, if not rated, determined to be of
                     comparable quality by the advisers. Below investment grade
                     securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds," and
                     generally entail increased credit and market risk.
                     Securities rated in the lowest rating categories may have
                     predominantly speculative characteristics or may be in
                     default. The achievement of the Portfolio's investment
                     objective may be more dependent on the advisers' own credit
                     analysis than
 
                                                                               5
<PAGE>
                     would be the case if the Portfolio invested in higher rated
                     securities. There is no bottom limit on the ratings of high
                     yield securities that may be purchased or held by the
                     Portfolio.
 
                           The Portfolio may invest in all types of fixed income
                     securities issued by domestic and foreign issuers,
                     including: (i) mortgage-backed securities, (ii)
                     asset-backed securities, (iii) zero coupon, pay-in-kind or
                     deferred payment securities, and (iv) variable and floating
                     rate instruments.
 
                           Any assets of the Portfolio not invested in the fixed
                     income securities described above may be invested in: (i)
                     convertible securities, (ii) preferred stocks, (iii) equity
                     securities, (iv) investment grade fixed income securities,
                     (v) money market securities, (vi) securities issued on a
                     when-issued and delayed-delivery basis, including TBA
                     mortgage-backed securities, (vii) forward foreign currency
                     contracts, and (viii) Yankee obligations. In addition, the
                     Portfolio may purchase or write options, futures and
                     options on futures.
 
                           The advisers may vary the average maturity of the
                     securities in the Portfolio without limit, and there is no
                     restriction on the maturity of any individual security.
 
                           The "Appendix" to this Prospectus sets forth a
                     description of the bond rating categories of several
                     NRSROs. The ratings established by each NRSRO represents
                     its opinion of the safety of principal and interest
                     payments (and not the market risk) of bonds and other fixed
                     income securities it undertakes to rate at the time of
                     issuance. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality,
                     and may not reflect changes in an issuer's
                     creditworthiness. Accordingly, although the advisers will
                     consider ratings, they will perform their own analyses and
                     will not rely principally on ratings. The advisers will
                     consider, among other things, the price of the security and
                     the financial history and condition, the prospects and the
                     management of an issuer in selecting securities for the
                     Portfolio.
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-adviser is
                     BEA Associates.
 
GENERAL INVESTMENT
POLICIES
     ___________________________________________________________________________
BORROWING
                     Each Portfolio may borrow money to meet redemptions for
                     temporary, emergency purposes. A Portfolio will not
                     purchase securities while its borrowings exceed 5% of its
                     total assets.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio's investment in illiquid securities will be
                     limited to 15% of its net assets.
INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio may purchase investment company securities,
                     which will result in the layering of expenses. There are
                     legal limits on the amount of such securities that may be
                     acquired by a Portfolio.
 
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio may hold cash reserves and invest in money
                     market instruments (including securities issued or
                     guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
                     instrumentalities, repurchase agreements, certificates of
                     deposit and bankers' acceptances issued by banks or savings
                     and loan associations having net assets of at least $500
                     million as of the end of
 
                                                                               6
<PAGE>
                     their most recent fiscal year, high-grade commercial paper
                     and other short-term debt securities) rated at the time of
                     purchase in the top two categories by an NRSRO, or, if not
                     rated, determined by the advisers to be of comparable
                     quality at the time of purchase.
SECURITIES LENDING
                     Each Portfolio may lend its securities in order to realize
                     additional income.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS
                     In order to meet liquidity needs or for temporary defensive
                     purposes, each Portfolio may invest up to 100% of its
                     assets in cash and money market securities. To the extent a
                     Portfolio is engaged in temporary defensive investing, the
                     Portfolio will not be pursuing its investment objective.
 
                           For additional information regarding the Portfolios'
                     permitted investments, see "Risk Factors" and "Description
                     of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" in this
                     Prospectus and "Description of Permitted Investments" in
                     the Statement of Additional Information. For a description
                     of the above ratings, see "Description of Ratings" in the
                     "Appendix" to this Prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
          ______________________________________________________________________
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Investments in equity securities in general are subject to
                     market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over
                     time. The value of convertible equity securities is also
                     affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality
                     of the issuer and any call provisions. Fluctuations in the
                     value of equity securities in which a Portfolio invests
                     will cause the net asset value of the Portfolio to
                     fluctuate.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
                     The market value of a Portfolio's 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. Securities
                     with longer maturities are subject to greater fluctuations
                     in value than securities with shorter maturities. Fixed
                     income securities rated in the fourth highest rating
                     category lack outstanding investment characteristics, and
                     have speculative characteristics as well. Changes by an
                     NRSRO in the rating of any fixed income security and in the
                     ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and
                     principal also affect the value of these investments.
                     Changes in the value of a Portfolio's securities will not
                     affect cash income derived from these securities but will
                     affect the Portfolio's net asset value.
 
                           Securities held by a Portfolio that are guaranteed by
                     the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities
                     guarantee only the payment of principal and interest, and
                     do not guarantee the securities' yield or value or the
                     yield or value of a Portfolio's shares.
 
                           There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                     floating and variable rate instruments may not accurately
                     reflect existing market interest rates.
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
                     Investing in the securities of foreign companies and the
                     utilization of forward foreign currency contracts involve
                     special risks and considerations not typically associated
                     with investing in U.S. companies. These risks and
                     considerations include differences in
 
                                                                               7
<PAGE>
                     accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards,
                     generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio
                     transactions, the possibility of expropriation or
                     confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or
                     exchange control regulations, political instability that
                     could affect U.S. investment in foreign countries and
                     potential restrictions of the flow of international capital
                     and currencies.
 
                           By entering into forward foreign currency contracts,
                     a Portfolio will seek to protect the value of its
                     investment securities against a decline in the value of a
                     currency. However, these forward foreign currency contracts
                     will not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of
                     the securities. Rather, they simply establish a rate of
                     exchange which one can obtain at some future point in time.
                     Although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss
                     due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they
                     also tend to limit any potential gain which might result
                     should the value of such currency increase.
HIGH YIELD, LOWER RATED BONDS
                     The High Yield Bond Portfolio may invest in lower rated
                     securities. Fixed income securities are subject to the risk
                     of an issuer's ability to meet principal and interest
                     payments on the obligation (credit risk), and may also be
                     subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest
                     rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness
                     of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk).
                     Lower rated or unrated (i.e., high yield) securities are
                     more likely to react to developments affecting market and
                     credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which
                     primarily react to movements in the general level of
                     interest rates. The market values of fixed-income
                     securities tend to vary inversely with the level of
                     interest rates. Yields and market values of high yield
                     securities will fluctuate over time, reflecting not only
                     changing interest rates but the market's perception of
                     credit quality and the outlook for economic growth. When
                     economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium to
                     lower rated securities may decline in value due to
                     heightened concern over credit quality, regardless of
                     prevailing interest rates. Investors should carefully
                     consider the relative risks of investing in high yield
                     securities and understand that such securities are not
                     generally meant for short-term investing.
 
                           The high yield market is relatively new and its
                     growth has paralleled a long period of economic expansion
                     and an increase in merger, acquisition and leveraged buyout
                     activity. Adverse economic developments can disrupt the
                     market for high yield securities, and severely affect the
                     ability of issuers, especially highly leveraged issuers, to
                     service their debt obligations or to repay their
                     obligations upon maturity which may lead to a higher
                     incidence of default on such securities. In addition, the
                     secondary market for high yield securities, which is
                     concentrated in relatively few market makers, may not be as
                     liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated
                     securities. As a result, the Portfolio's advisers could
                     find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be
                     able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if
                     such securities were widely traded. Furthermore the Trust
                     may experience difficulty in valuing certain securities at
                     certain times. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower
                     rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may
                     be less than the prices used in calculating the Portfolio's
                     net asset value.
 
                                                                               8
<PAGE>
                           Prices for high yield securities may be affected by
                     legislative and regulatory developments. These laws could
                     adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value and
                     investment practices, the secondary market value for high
                     yield securities, the financial condition of issuers of
                     these securities and the value of outstanding high yield
                     securities. For example, federal legislation requiring the
                     divestiture by federally insured savings and loan
                     associations of their investments in high yield bonds and
                     limiting the deductibility of interest by certain corporate
                     issuers of high yield bonds adversely affected the market
                     in recent years.
 
                           Lower rated or unrated debt obligations also present
                     risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the
                     obligations for redemption, the Portfolio may have to
                     replace the security with a lower yielding security,
                     resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the
                     Portfolio experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be
                     forced to sell its higher rated securities, resulting in a
                     decline in the overall credit quality of the Portfolio's
                     investment portfolio and increasing the exposure of the
                     Portfolio to the risks of high yield securities.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
                     Mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk of
                     prepayment of the underlying mortgages. During periods of
                     declining interest rates, prepayment of mortgages
                     underlying these securities can be expected to accelerate.
                     When the mortgaged-backed securities held by a Portfolio
                     are prepaid, the Portfolio must reinvest the proceeds in
                     securities the yield of which reflects prevailing interest
                     rates, which may be lower than the yield of the prepaid
                     security.
ZERO COUPON OBLIGATIONS
                     Zero coupon obligations may be subject to greater
                     fluctuations in value due to interest rate changes than
                     interest bearing obligations. A Portfolio will be required
                     to include the imputed interest in zero coupon obligations
                     in its current income. Because a Portfolio distributes all
                     of its net investment income to shareholders, a Portfolio
                     may have to sell portfolio securities to distribute the
                     income attributable to these obligations and securities at
                     a time when the advisers would not have chosen to sell such
                     obligations or securities, and which may result in a
                     taxable gain or loss.
 
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
        ________________________________________________________________________
 
                     The investment objectives and certain of the investment
                     limitations are fundamental policies of the Portfolios.
                     Fundamental policies cannot be changed with respect to the
                     Trust or a Portfolio without the consent of the holders of
                     a majority of the Trust's or that Portfolio's outstanding
                     shares.
 
                     NO PORTFOLIO MAY:
 
                     1. With respect to 75% of its assets, (i) purchase
                       securities of any issuer (except securities issued or
                       guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies
                       or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of
                       its total assets would be invested in the securities of
                       such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the
                       outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
 
                                                                               9
<PAGE>
                     2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                       of the total assets of the Portfolio to be invested in
                       the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                       principal business activities in the same industry,
                       provided that this limitation does not apply to
                       investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                       United States Government, its agencies or
                       instrumentalities.
 
                     The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the time
                     of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental and
                     non-fundamental investment limitations are set forth in the
                     Statement of Additional Information.
THE MANAGER
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     SEI Fund Management ("SEI Management") provides the Trust
                     with overall management services, regulatory reporting, all
                     necessary office space, equipment, personnel and
                     facilities, and acts as dividend disbursing agent and
                     shareholder servicing agent. In addition, SEI Management
                     also serves as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") to the
                     Class A shares of the Trust.
 
                           For its management services, SEI Management is
                     entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid
                     monthly, at an annual rate of .28% of the average daily net
                     assets of the Core Fixed Income and Bond Portfolios and
                     .35% of the average daily net assets of the High Yield Bond
                     Portfolio. SEI Management has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                     portion of its fees in order to limit the operating
                     expenses of each Portfolio. SEI Management reserves the
                     right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this voluntary
                     fee waiver at any time.
 
                           For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the
                     Portfolios paid SEI Management the following management
                     fees (based on each Portfolio's average daily net assets
                     after fee waivers): Core Fixed Income Portfolio, .23%; Bond
                     Portfolio, .15%; and High Yield Bond Portfolio, .28%.
THE ADVISER
         _______________________________________________________________________
SEI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
                     SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM") serves as
                     investment adviser to each Portfolio. SFM is a wholly-owned
                     subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI"), a financial
                     services company located in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The
                     principal business address of SFM is Oaks, Pennsylvania
                     19456. SEI was founded in 1968 and is a leading provider of
                     investment solutions to banks, institutional investors,
                     investment advisers and insurance companies. Affiliates of
                     SFM have provided consulting advice to institutional
                     investors for more than 20 years, including advice
                     regarding the selection and evaluation of investment
                     advisers. SFM currently serves as manager or administrator
                     to more than 40 investment companies, including more than
                     290 portfolios, which investment companies have more than
                     $69 billion in assets as of September 30, 1996.
 
                           SFM acts as the investment adviser to the Portfolios
                     and operates as a "manager of managers." As Adviser, SFM
                     oversees the investment advisory services provided to the
 
                                                                              10
<PAGE>
                     Portfolios and manages the cash portion of the Portfolios'
                     assets. Pursuant to separate sub-advisory agreements with
                     SFM, and under the supervision of SFM and the Board of
                     Trustees, the sub-advisers are responsible for the
                     day-to-day investment management of all or a discrete
                     portion of the assets of the Portfolios. The sub-advisers
                     are selected based primarily upon the research and
                     recommendations of SFM, which evaluates quantitatively and
                     qualitatively each sub-adviser's skills and investment
                     results in managing assets for specific asset classes,
                     investment styles and strategies. Subject to Board review,
                     SFM allocates and, when appropriate, reallocates the
                     Portfolios' assets among sub-advisers, monitors and
                     evaluates sub-adviser performance, and oversees sub-adviser
                     compliance with the Portfolios' investment objectives,
                     policies and restrictions. SFM HAS THE ULTIMATE
                     RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE
                     PORTFOLIOS DUE TO ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO OVERSEE
                     SUB-ADVISERS AND RECOMMEND THEIR HIRING, TERMINATION AND
                     REPLACEMENT.
 
                           For these advisory services, SFM is entitled to a
                     fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                     annual rate of .275% of the Core Fixed Income and Bond
                     Portfolios' average daily net assets and .4875% of the High
                     Yield Bond Porfolio's average daily net assets. SFM pays
                     the sub-advisers out of its investment advisory fee.
 
                           For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, SFM
                     received an advisory fee of .275% of the Core Fixed Income
                     and Bond Portfolios' average daily net assets and .4875% of
                     the High Yield Bond Portfolios' average daily net assets.
 
                           SFM has obtained an exemptive order from the
                     Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") that permits
                     SFM, with the approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees, to
                     retain sub-advisers unaffiliated with SFM for the
                     Portfolios without submitting the sub-advisory agreements
                     to a vote of the Portfolios' shareholders. The exemptive
                     relief permits the disclosure of only the aggregate amount
                     payable by SFM under all such sub-advisory agreements. The
                     Portfolios will notify shareholders in the event of any
                     addition or change in the identity of its sub-advisers.
THE SUB-ADVISERS
               _________________________________________________________________
BEA ASSOCIATES
                     BEA Associates ("BEA") serves as Sub-Adviser for the High
                     Yield Bond Portfolio. BEA is a general partnership
                     organized under the laws of the State of New York which,
                     together with its predecessor firms, has been engaged in
                     the investment advisory business for over 50 years. BEA's
                     principal offices are located at One Citicorp Center, 153
                     East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022. Credit Suisse
                     Capital Corporation ("CS Capital") is an 80% partner in BEA
                     and CS Advisers Corp., a New York corporation which is a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of CS Capital, is a 20% partner in
                     BEA. CS Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit
                     Suisse Investment Corporation, which is a wholly-owned
                     subsidiary of Credit Suisse, the second largest Swiss bank,
                     which in turn is a subsidiary of CS Holding, a Swiss
                     Corporation. BEA is registered as an investment adviser
                     under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. BEA
                     is a diversified asset manager, handling global equity,
                     balanced,
 
                                                                              11
<PAGE>
                     fixed income and derivative securities accounts for private
                     individuals, as well as corporate pension and
                     profit-sharing plans, state pension funds, union funds,
                     endowments and other charitable institutions. As of
                     September 30, 1996, BEA managed approximately $31.3 billion
                     in assets.
 
                           The Portfolio's assets have been managed by Richard
                     J. Lindquist, CFA, since its inception. Mr. Lindquist
                     joined BEA in 1995 as a result of BEA's acquisition of CS
                     First Boston Investment Management, and has had 12 years of
                     investment management experience, including 7 years of
                     experience working with high yield bonds. Prior to joining
                     CS First Boston, Mr. Lindquist was with Prudential
                     Insurance Company of America, where he managed high yield
                     portfolios totalling approximately $1.3 billion.
 
                           SFM pays BEA a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the High Yield Portfolio managed by BEA.
 
BLACKROCK FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
                     BlackRock Financial Management Inc. ("BlackRock") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Core Fixed
                     Income Portfolio. BlackRock, a registered investment
                     adviser, is a Delaware corporation with its principal
                     business address at 345 Park Avenue, 30th Floor, New York,
                     New York 10154. BlackRock's predecessor was founded in
                     1988, and as of September 30, 1996, BlackRock had $41
                     billion in assets under management. BlackRock is
                     wholly-owned by PNC Asset Management Group, Inc., a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of PNC Bank, N.A. PNC Bank, N.A.'s
                     ultimate parent is PNC Bank Corp., One PNC Plaza,
                     Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15265. BlackRock provides
                     investment advice to investment companies, trusts,
                     charitable organizations, pension and profit sharing plans
                     and government entities.
 
                           BlackRock employs a team approach in managing the
                     Portfolio; however, the portfolio managers who have
                     day-to-day responsibility for the Portfolio are Keith
                     Anderson and Andrew Phillips. Mr. Anderson is a Managing
                     Director and Co-Head of Portfolio Management at BlackRock,
                     and has 13 years experience investing in fixed income
                     securities. Prior to founding BlackRock in 1988, Mr.
                     Anderson was a Vice President in Fixed Income Research at
                     The First Boston Corporation. Mr. Phillips is a Vice
                     President and portfolio manager with primary responsibility
                     for the management of the firm's investment activities in
                     fixed-rate mortgage securities.
 
                           SFM pays BlackRock a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Core Fixed Income Portfolio managed by BlackRock.
 
BOATMEN'S TRUST COMPANY
                     Boatmen's Trust Company ("Boatmen's") serves as Sub-Adviser
                     to the Bond Portfolio. Boatmen's is a subsidiary of
                     NationsBank, a bank holding company located in Charlotte,
                     North Carolina. Boatmen's provides trust and investment
                     advisory services to a broad array of individual and
                     institutional clients. As of September 30, 1996, Boatmen's
                     total assets under management were approximately $45
                     billion for a broad spectrum of taxable and
 
                                                                              12
<PAGE>
                     tax-exempt clients. The principal business address of
                     Boatmen's is 100 N. Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102.
 
                           The Portfolio has been managed by a committee since
                     its inception.
 
                           SFM pays Boatmen's a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Bond Portfolio managed by Boatmen's.
FIRSTAR INVESTMENT RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT COMPANY
                     Firstar Investment Research & Management Company ("FIRMCO")
                     serves as Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the
                     Core Fixed Income Portfolio. FIRMCO is a registered
                     investment adviser with its principal business address at
                     777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
                     53202. FIRMCO was founded in 1986, and as of September 30,
                     1996, it had approximately $17 billion in assets under
                     management. FIRMCO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Firstar
                     Corporation, a bank holding company located at 777 East
                     Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. FIRMCO's
                     clients include pension and profit sharing plans, trusts
                     and estates and one other investment company.
 
                           Mr. Charles Groeschell, a Senior Vice President of
                     FIRMCO, has been employed by FIRMCO or its affiliates since
                     1983, and has had 14 years experience in fixed income
                     investing.
 
                           SFM pays FIRMCO a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Core Fixed Income Portfolio managed by FIRMCO.
WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
                     Western Asset Management Company ("Western") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Core Fixed
                     Income Portfolio. Western is located at 117 East Colorado
                     Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91105, and is a wholly
                     owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc., a financial services
                     company located in Baltimore, Maryland. Western was founded
                     in 1971, and specializes in the management of fixed income
                     portfolios. As of September 30, 1996, Western managed
                     approximately $22 billion in client assets, including $3
                     billion of investment company assets.
 
                           Kent S. Engel, Director and Chief Investment Officer
                     of Western, has been primarily responsible for the
                     day-to-day management of the Portfolio since January 19,
                     1994. Mr. Engel has been with Western and its predecessor
                     since 1969.
 
                           SFM pays Western a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Core Fixed Income Portfolio managed by Western.
 
DISTRIBUTION AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
      __________________________________________________________________________
 
                     SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI, serves as each Portfolio's
                     distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement with the
                     Trust. The Small Cap Growth Portfolio has adopted a
                     distribution plan for its Class D shares (the "Class D
                     Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
                     Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
 
                                                                              13
<PAGE>
                           Each Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing
                     plan for its Class A shares (the "Service Plan") under
                     which a shareholder servicing fee of up to .25% of average
                     daily net assets attributable to Class A shares will be
                     paid to the Distributor. Under the Service Plan, the
                     Distributor may perform, or may compensate other service
                     providers for performing, the following shareholder and
                     administrative 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.
 
                           It is possible that an institution may offer
                     different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                     receive different compensation with respect to different
                     classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                     separate fees to their customers.
 
                           The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                     transactions through the Distributor, for which the
                     Distributor may receive compensation.
 
                           The Distributor may, from time to time and at its own
                     expense, provide promotional incentives, in the form of
                     cash or other compensation, to certain financial
                     institutions whose representatives have sold or are
                     expected to sell significant amounts of the Portfolios'
                     shares.
 
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
    ____________________________________________________________________________
 
                     Financial institutions may acquire Class A shares of the
                     Portfolios for their own accounts or as record owner on
                     behalf of fiduciary, agency or custody accounts by placing
                     orders with SEI Management. Institutions that use certain
                     SEI proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                     through those systems. State securities laws may require
                     banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                     their customers to register as broker-dealers pursuant to
                     state laws. Financial institutions may impose an earlier
                     cut-off time for receipt of purchase orders directed
                     through them to allow for processing and transmittal of
                     these orders to SEI Management for effectiveness the same
                     day. Financial institutions that purchase shares for the
                     accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                     these customers for account services. Shares of the
                     Portfolios are offered only to residents of states in which
                     the shares are eligible for purchase.
 
                           Shares of each Portfolio may be purchased or redeemed
                     on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
                     business ("Business Days"). The minimum initial investment
                     in a Portfolio is $100,000; however, the minimum investment
                     may be waived at the Distributor's discretion. All
                     subsequent purchases must be at least $1,000.
 
                                                                              14
<PAGE>
                           Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                     must place their orders with SEI Management (or its
                     authorized agent) prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on any
                     Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                     Day. Generally, cash investments must be transmitted or
                     delivered in federal funds to the wire agent on the next
                     Business Day following the day the order is placed. The
                     Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                     the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                     interest of the Trust or its shareholders to accept such
                     purchase order. In addition, because excessive trading
                     (including short-term "market timing" trading) can hurt a
                     Portfolio's performance, each Portfolio may refuse purchase
                     orders from any shareholder account if the accountholder
                     has been advised that previous purchase and redemption
                     transactions were considered excessive in number or amount.
                     Accounts under common control or ownership, including those
                     with the same taxpayer identification number and those
                     administered so as to redeem or purchase shares based upon
                     certain predetermined market indicators, will be considered
                     one account for this purpose.
 
                           Purchases will be made in full and fractional shares
                     of the Portfolios calculated to three decimal places. The
                     Trust will send shareholders a statement of shares owned
                     after each transaction. The purchase price of shares is the
                     net asset value next determined after a purchase order is
                     received and accepted by the Trust. The net asset value per
                     share of each Portfolio is determined by dividing the total
                     market value of a Portfolio's investments and other assets,
                     less any liabilities, by the total number of outstanding
                     shares of that Portfolio. Net asset value per share is
                     determined as of the close of business of the New York
                     Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
                     Business Day. Although the methodology and procedures for
                     determining net asset value per share are identical for
                     both classes of the Portfolios, the net asset value per
                     share of one class may differ from that of another class
                     because of the different distribution and shareholder
                     servicing fees charged to each class and the incremental
                     transfer agent fees charged to Class D shares.
 
                           The market value of each portfolio security is
                     obtained by SEI Management from an independent pricing
                     service. Securities having maturities of 60 days or less at
                     the time of purchase will be valued using the amortized
                     cost method (described in the Statement of Additional
                     Information). The pricing service relies primarily on
                     prices of actual market transactions as well as trader
                     quotations. However, the pricing service may use a matrix
                     system to determine valuations of equity and fixed income
                     securities. This system considers such factors as security
                     prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and
                     developments relating to specific securities in arriving at
                     valuations. The procedures used by the pricing service and
                     its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust
                     under the general supervision of the Trustees.
 
                           Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                     Portfolios must place their redemption orders with SEI
                     Management (or its authorized agent) prior to 4:00 p.m.
                     Eastern time on any Business Day. The redemption price is
                     the net asset value per share of
 
                                                                              15
<PAGE>
                     the Portfolio next determined after receipt by SEI
                     Management of the redemption order. Payment on redemption
                     will be made as promptly as possible and, in any event,
                     within seven days after the redemption order is received.
 
                           Shares of a Portfolio may be purchased in exchange
                     for securities included in the Portfolio subject to SEI
                     Management's determination that the securities are
                     acceptable. Securities accepted in an exchange will be
                     valued at the market value. All accrued interest and
                     subscription of other rights which are reflected in the
                     market price of accepted securities at the time of
                     valuation become the property of the Trust and must be
                     delivered by the Shareholder to the Trust upon receipt from
                     the issuer.
 
                           SEI Management will not accept securities for a
                     Portfolio unless (1) such securities are appropriate in the
                     Portfolio at the time of the exchange; (2) such securities
                     are acquired for investment and not for resale; (3) the
                     Shareholder represents and agrees that all securities
                     offered to the Trust for the Portfolio are not subject to
                     any restrictions upon their sale by the Portfolio under the
                     Securities Act of 1933, or otherwise; (4) such securities
                     are traded on the American Stock Exchange, the New York
                     Stock Exchange or on NASDAQ in an unrelated transaction
                     with a quoted sales price on the same day the exchange
                     valuation is made or, if not listed on such exchanges or on
                     NASDAQ, have prices available from an independent pricing
                     service approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees; and (5)
                     the securities may be acquired under the investment
                     restrictions applicable to the Portfolio.
 
                           Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                     telephone. Neither the Trust nor SEI Management will be
                     responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense for
                     acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                     instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine. The
                     Trust and SEI Management will each employ reasonable
                     procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
                     telephone are genuine, including requiring a form of
                     personal identification prior to acting upon instructions
                     received by telephone and recording telephone instructions.
 
                           If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                     other extraordinary circumstances exist, and shareholders
                     experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                     telephone, shareholders may wish to consider placing their
                     order by other means.
PERFORMANCE
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     From time to time, a Portfolio may advertise yield and
                     total return. These figures will be based on historical
                     earnings and are not intended to indicate future
                     performance. The yield of a Portfolio refers to the
                     annualized income generated by an investment in the
                     Portfolio over a specified 30-day period. The yield is
                     calculated by assuming that the same amount of income
                     generated by the investment during that period is generated
                     in each 30-day period over one year and is shown as a
                     percentage of the investment.
 
                           The total return of a Portfolio refers to the average
                     compounded rate of return to a hypothetical investment
                     redeemed at the end of the specified period covered by the
                     total
 
                                                                              16
<PAGE>
                     return figure, for designated time periods (including but
                     not limited to, the period from which the Portfolio
                     commenced operations through the specified date), assuming
                     that the entire investment is redeemed at the end of each
                     period and assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and
                     capital gain distributions. The total return of a Portfolio
                     may also be quoted as a dollar amount or on an aggregate
                     basis, an actual basis, without inclusion of any front-end
                     or contingent sales charges, or with a reduced sales charge
                     in advertisements distributed to investors entitled to a
                     reduced sales charge.
 
                           A Portfolio may periodically compare its performance
                     to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund
                     rating services (such as Lipper Analytical), financial and
                     business publications and periodicals; (ii) broad groups of
                     comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged indices which may
                     assume investment of dividends but generally do not reflect
                     deductions for administrative and management costs; or (iv)
                     other investment alternatives. A Portfolio may quote
                     Morningstar, Inc., a service that ranks mutual funds on the
                     basis of risk-adjusted performance, and Ibbotson Associates
                     of Chicago, Illinois, which provides historical returns of
                     the capital markets in the U.S. A Portfolio may use long
                     term performance of these capital markets to demonstrate
                     general long-term risk versus reward scenarios and could
                     include the value of a hypothetical investment in any of
                     the capital markets. A Portfolio may also quote financial
                     and business publications and periodicals as they relate to
                     fund management, investment philosophy, and investment
                     techniques.
 
                           A Portfolio may quote various measures of volatility
                     and benchmark correlation in advertising and may compare
                     these measures to those of other funds. Measures of
                     volatility attempt to compare historical share price
                     fluctuations or total returns to a benchmark while measures
                     of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a comparative
                     benchmark might be. Measures of volatility and correlation
                     are calculated using averages of historical data and cannot
                     be calculated precisely.
TAXES
  ______________________________________________________________________________
 
                     The following summary of federal income tax consequences is
                     based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                     changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action.
                     No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                     of the federal, state or local income tax treatment of a
                     Portfolio or its shareholders. In addition, state and local
                     tax consequences of an investment in a Portfolio may differ
                     from the federal income tax consequences described below.
                     Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                     advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                     and local taxes. Additional information concerning taxes is
                     set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
TAX STATUS OF THE PORTFOLIOS
                     A Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                     income tax purposes, and is not combined with the Trust's
                     other portfolios. Each Portfolio intends to continue to
                     qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                     investment companies ("RICs") under Subchapter M of the
                     Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, so as to be
                     relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                     taxable income (including the excess, if any,
 
                                                                              17
<PAGE>
                     of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital
                     losses) and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term
                     capital gains over net short-term capital losses)
                     distributed to shareholders.
TAX STATUS OF DISTRIBUTIONS
                     Each Portfolio distributes substantially all of its net
                     investment company taxable income to shareholders.
                     Dividends from a Portfolio's net investment company taxable
                     income are taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income
                     (whether received in cash or in additional shares).
                     Distributions of net capital gains are taxable to
                     shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of how
                     long a shareholder has held shares. Dividends and
                     distributions received from a Portfolio will not qualify
                     for the corporate dividends received deduction. Each
                     Portfolio will provide annual reports to shareholders of
                     the federal income tax status of all distributions.
 
                           Dividends declared by a Portfolio in October,
                     November or December of any year and payable to
                     shareholders of record on a date in such a month will be
                     deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                     the shareholders on December 31 of the year declared if
                     paid by a Portfolio at any time during the following
                     January.
 
                           Income received directly by a Portfolio on direct
                     U.S. obligations is exempt from tax at the state level and
                     may be exempt, depending on the state, when received by a
                     shareholder as income dividends from a Portfolio provided
                     certain state-specific conditions are satisfied. Interest
                     received on repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
                     government obligations normally is not exempt from state
                     tax.
 
                           Each Portfolio intends to make sufficient
                     distributions to avoid liability for the federal excise tax
                     applicable to RICs.
 
                           Each sale, exchange or redemption of a Portfolio's
                     shares generally is a taxable transaction to the
                     shareholder.
GENERAL INFORMATION
                  ______________________________________________________________
THE TRUST
                     The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                     under a Declaration of Trust dated October 20, 1986. The
                     Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                     series ("portfolios") of shares and different classes of
                     each portfolio. All consideration received by the Trust for
                     shares of any class of any portfolio and all assets of such
                     portfolio or class belong to that portfolio or class,
                     respectively, and would be subject to the liabilities
                     related thereto.
 
                           The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                     service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                     preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials 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.
 
                                                                              18
<PAGE>
                           Certain shareholders in one or more of the Portfolios
                     may obtain asset allocation services from the Adviser and
                     other financial intermediaries with respect to their
                     investments in such Portfolios. If a sufficient amount of a
                     Portfolio's assets are subject to such asset allocation
                     services, a Portfolio may incur higher transaction costs
                     and a higher portfolio turnover rate than would otherwise
                     be anticipated as a result of redemptions and purchases of
                     Portfolio shares pursuant to such services. Further, to the
                     extent that the Adviser is providing asset allocation
                     services and providing investment advice to the Portfolios,
                     it may face conflicts of interest in fulfilling its
                     responsibilities because of the possible differences
                     between the interests of its asset allocation clients and
                     the interests of the Portfolios.
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
                     The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                     the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                     Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                     which, as described above, certain companies provide
                     essential management services to the Trust.
VOTING RIGHTS
                     Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                     vote. The shareholders of each Portfolio or class will vote
                     separately on matters pertaining solely to that Portfolio
                     or class, such as any distribution plan. As a Massachusetts
                     business trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual
                     meetings of shareholders, but approval will be sought for
                     certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the
                     election of Trustees under certain circumstances. In
                     addition, a Trustee may be removed by the remaining
                     Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting called
                     upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of
                     the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such
                     a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate
                     assistance and information to the shareholders requesting
                     the meeting.
REPORTING
                     The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                     semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                     The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                     shareholders of record.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
                     Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                     SEI Fund Management, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.
DIVIDENDS
                     Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                     of capital gains) of each Portfolio is declared daily and
                     paid monthly as a dividend. Currently, net capital gains
                     (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
                     short-term capital loss) realized, if any, will be
                     distributed at least annually.
 
                           Shareholders automatically receive all income
                     dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                     shares at the net asset value next determined following the
                     record date, unless the shareholder has elected to take
                     such payment in cash. Shareholders may change their
                     election by providing written notice to the SEI Management
                     at least 15 days prior to the distribution.
 
                                                                              19
<PAGE>
                           Dividends and capital gains of each Portfolio are
                     paid on a per-share basis. The value of each share will be
                     reduced by the amount of any such payment. If shares are
                     purchased shortly before the record date for a dividend or
                     capital gains distributions, a shareholder will pay the
                     full price for the share and receive some portion of the
                     price back as a taxable dividend or distribution.
 
                           The dividends on Class D shares of the Portfolios
                     will normally be lower than those on Class A shares because
                     of the additional distribution and transfer agent expenses
                     charged to Class D shares.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                     Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust.
                     Price Waterhouse LLP serves as the independent accountants
                     of the Trust.
CUSTODIAN AND WIRE AGENT
                     CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O. Box
                     7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101 (the "Custodian"),
                     acts as custodian and wire agent of the Trust's assets. The
                     Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the
                     Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
 
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
AND
RISK FACTORS
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     The following is a description of the permitted investment
                     practices for the Portfolios, and the associated risk
                     factors:
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
                     Asset-backed securities are securities secured by
                     non-mortgage assets such as company receivables, truck and
                     auto loans, leases and credit card receivables. Such
                     securities are generally issued as pass-through
                     certificates, which represent undivided fractional
                     ownership interests in the underlying pools of assets. Such
                     securities also may be debt instruments, which are also
                     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 such
                     assets and issuing such debt.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
                     Convertible securities are corporate securities that are
                     exchangeable for a set number of another security at a
                     prestated price. Convertible securities typically have
                     characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                     securities. Because of the conversion feature, the market
                     value of a convertible security tends to move with the
                     market value of the underlying stock. The value of a
                     convertible security is also affected by prevailing
                     interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer, and any
                     call provisions.
DERIVATIVES
                     Derivatives are securities that derive their value from
                     other securities, assets or indices. The following are
                     considered derivative securities: options on futures,
                     futures, options (e.g., puts and calls), swap agreements,
                     mortgage-backed securities (e.g., CMOs, REMICs, IOs and
                     POs), when-issued securities and forward commitments,
                     floating and variable rate securities, convertible
                     securities, "stripped" U.S. Treasury securities (e.g.,
                     receipts and
 
                                                                              20
<PAGE>
                     STRIPs) and privately issued stripped securities (e.g.,
                     TGRs, TRs and CATS). See elsewhere in this "Description of
                     Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" for discussions of
                     these various instruments.
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Equity securities represent ownership interests in a
                     company or corporation, and include common stock, preferred
                     stock and warrants and other rights to acquire such
                     instruments.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
                     Fixed income securities are debt obligations issued by
                     corporations, municipalities and other borrowers. 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.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
                     A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or
                     sell a specific currency amount at a future date, agreed
                     upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the
                     contract. A Portfolio may also enter into a contract to
                     sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or other
                     appropriate currency, the amount of foreign currency
                     approximating the value of some or all of a Portfolio's
                     securities denominated in such foreign currency.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES
                     Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party
                     and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a
                     specific security at a specified future time and at a
                     specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the
                     purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a
                     position in a futures contract at a specified exercise
                     price during the term of the option. A Portfolio may use
                     futures contracts and related options for BONA FIDE hedging
                     purposes, to offset changes in the value of securities held
                     or expected to be acquired or be disposed of, to minimize
                     fluctuations in foreign currencies, or to gain exposure to
                     a particular market or instrument. A Portfolio will
                     minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a
                     futures contract by only entering into futures contracts
                     that are traded on national futures exchanges.
 
                           A bond index futures contract is a bilateral
                     agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or
                     make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified
                     dollar amount times the difference between the bond index
                     value at the close of trading of the contract and the price
                     at which the futures contract is originally struck. No
                     physical delivery of the bonds comprising the index is
                     made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the
                     expiration date of the contract.
 
                           In order to avoid leveraging and related risks, when
                     a Portfolio purchases futures contracts, it will
                     collateralize its position by depositing an amount of cash
                     or liquid, high grade debt securities equal to the market
                     value of the futures positions held, less margin deposits,
                     in a segregated account with the Trust's Custodian.
                     Collateral equal to the current market value of the futures
                     position will be marked to market on a daily basis.
 
                           A Portfolio may enter into futures contracts and
                     options on futures contracts traded on an exchange
                     regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission
                     ("CFTC"), so long as, to the extent that such transactions
                     are not for "bona fide hedging purposes," the aggregate
                     initial margin and premiums on such positions (excluding
                     the
 
                                                                              21
<PAGE>
                     amount by which such options are in the money) do not
                     exceed 5% of the Portfolio's net assets.
 
                           There are risks associated with these activities,
                     including the following: (1) the success of a hedging
                     strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in
                     the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in
                     markets and movements in interest rates, (2) there may be
                     an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in
                     market value of the securities held by the Portfolio and
                     the prices of futures and options on futures, (3) there may
                     not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or
                     option, (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be
                     imposed by an exchange, and (5) government regulations may
                     restrict trading in futures contracts and options on
                     futures.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
                     Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be disposed
                     of within seven business days at approximately the price at
                     which they are being carried on a Portfolio's books.
                     Illiquid securities include demand instruments with demand
                     notice periods exceeding seven days, securities for which
                     there is no active secondary market, and repurchase
                     agreements with durations (or maturities) over seven days
                     in length.
JUNK BONDS
                     Bonds rated below investment grade are often referred to as
                     "junk bonds." Such securities involve greater risk of
                     default or price declines than investment grade securities
                     due to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness and the
                     outlook for economic growth. The market for these
                     securities may be less active, causing market price
                     volatility and limited liquidity in the secondary market.
                     This may limit a Portfolio's ability to sell such
                     securities at their market value. In addition, the market
                     for these securities may also be adversely affected by
                     legislative and regulatory developments. Credit quality in
                     the junk bond market can change suddenly and unexpectedly,
                     and even recently issued credit ratings may not fully
                     reflect the actual risks imposed by a particular security.
                     See also the "Risk Factors" section.
 
                           Throughout the year ended September 30, 1996, the
                     High Yield Bond Portfolio invested in securities that are
                     rated below investment grade. The following is the average
                     bond rating for the period as rated by Standard & Poor's
                     Corporation:
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
AAA            0.68%
BBB            0.66%
BB            11.61%
B             56.63%
CCC            4.68%
Unrated       25.74%
           ---------
Total:       100.00%
           ---------
           ---------
</TABLE>
 
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES
                     Money market securities are high-quality,
                     dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                     consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                     deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                     banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks; (ii) U.S.
                     Treasury obligations
 
                                                                              22
<PAGE>
                     and obligations issued or guaranteed by the agencies and
                     instrumentalities of the U.S. Government; (iii)
                     high-quality commercial paper issued by U.S. and foreign
                     corporations; (iv) debt obligations with a maturity of one
                     year of less issued by corporations that issue outstanding
                     high-quality commercial paper; and (v) repurchase
                     agreements involving any of the foregoing obligations
                     entered into with highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
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 fifteen- and
                     thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages, graduated payment
                     mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages and balloon mortgages.
                     During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of
                     mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities can be
                     expected to accelerate. Prepayment of mortgages which
                     underlie securities purchased at a premium often results in
                     capital losses, while prepayment of mortgages purchased at
                     a discount often results in capital gains. Because of these
                     unpredictable prepayment characteristics, it is often not
                     possible to predict accurately the average life or realized
                     yield of a particular issue.
 
                           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 GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. GNMA,
                     FNMA and FHLMC guarantee timely distributions of interest
                     to certificate holders. GNMA and FNMA also guarantee timely
                     distributions of scheduled principal. FHLMC generally
                     guarantees only the ultimate collection of principal of the
                     underlying mortgage loan. FNMA and FHLMC obligations are
                     not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                     Government as GNMA certificates are, but FNMA and FHLMC
                     securities are supported by the instrumentalities' right to
                     borrow from the U.S. Treasury. Government and private
                     guarantees do not extend to the securities' value, which is
                     likely to vary inversely with fluctuations in interest
                     rates.
 
                           PRIVATE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES:  These are
                     mortgage-backed securities issued by a non-governmental
                     entity, such as a trust or corporate entity. These
                     securities include collateralized mortgage obligations
                     ("CMOs"), real estate mortgage investment conduits
                     ("REMICs") and commercial mortgage-backed securities
                     ("CMBS"). 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.
 
                           COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES ("CMBS"):  CMBS
                     are generally multi-class or pass-through securities backed
                     by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by
                     commercial property, such as industrial and warehouse
                     properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping
                     malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments.
                     The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS are
                     generally not amortizing or not fully amortizing. That is,
                     at their maturity date, repayment of the
 
                                                                              23
<PAGE>
                     remaining principal balance or "balloon" is due and is
                     repaid through the attainment of an additional loan of sale
                     of the property.
 
                           COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS ("CMOS"):  CMOs
                     are debt obligations or multiclass pass-through
                     certificates issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the
                     U.S. Government or by private originators or investors in
                     mortgage loans. Principal payments on the underlying
                     mortgage assets may cause CMOs to be retired substantially
                     earlier then their stated maturities or final distribution
                     dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of any premium
                     paid.
 
                           REMICS:  A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special
                     tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code and invests
                     in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in
                     real property. 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 FNMA or FHLMC
                     represent beneficial ownership interests in a REMIC trust
                     consisting principally of mortgage loans or FNMA, FHLMC or
                     GNMA-guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates.
 
                           PARALLEL PAY SECURITIES; PAC BONDS:  Parallel pay
                     CMOs and REMICS are structured to provide payments of
                     principal on each payment date to more than one class.
                     These simultaneous payments are taken into account in
                     calculating the stated maturity date or final distribution
                     date of each class, which must be retired by its stated
                     maturity date or final distribution date, but may be
                     retired earlier. Planned Amortization Class CMOs ("PAC
                     Bonds") generally require payments of a specified amount of
                     principal on each payment date. PAC Bonds are always
                     parallel pay CMOs with the required principal payment on
                     such securities having the highest priority after interest
                     has been paid to all classes.
 
                           STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES ("SMBS"):  SMBs
                     are usually structured with two classes that receive
                     specified proportions of the monthly interest and principal
                     payments from a pool of mortgage securities. One class may
                     receive all of the interest payments and is thus termed an
                     interest-only class ("IO"), while the other class may
                     receive all of the principal payments and is thus termed
                     the principal-only class ("PO"). The value of IOs tends to
                     increase as rates rise and decrease as rates fall; the
                     opposite is true of POs. During times when interest rates
                     are experiencing fluctuations, such securities can be
                     difficult to price on a consistent basis. The market for
                     SMBs is not as fully developed as other markets; SMBs,
                     therefore, may be illiquid.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS
                     Mortgage "dollar rolls" are transactions in which
                     mortgage-backed securities are sold for delivery in the
                     current month and the seller simultaneously contracts to
                     repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified
                     future date. The difference between the sale price and the
                     purchase price (plus any interest earned on the cash
                     proceeds of the sale) is netted against the interest income
                     foregone on the securities sold to arrive at an implied
                     borrowing rate. Alternatively, the sale and purchase
                     transactions can be executed at the same price, with the
                     Portfolio being paid a fee as consideration for entering
                     into the commitment to purchase.
 
                                                                              24
<PAGE>
                           To avoid any leveraging concerns, the Portfolio will
                     place U.S. Government or other liquid, high grade debt
                     securities in a segregated account with the Trust's
                     Custodian in an amount sufficient to cover its repurchase
                     obligation.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
                     Municipal securities consist of (i) debt obligations issued
                     by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to be
                     used for various public facilities, for refunding
                     outstanding obligations, for general operating expenses,
                     and for lending such funds to other public institutions and
                     facilities, and (ii) certain private activity and
                     industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of
                     public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the
                     construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately
                     operated facilities.
 
                           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 (tolls from a
                     bridge, for example). 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 dependent solely 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 such payment.
 
                           Municipal notes include general obligation notes, tax
                     anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                     anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                     notes and construction loan notes and participation
                     interests in municipal notes.
OPTIONS
                     A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to
                     sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy,
                     the underlying security at any time during the option
                     period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the
                     right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation
                     to sell, the underlying security at any time during the
                     option period. The premium paid to the writer is the
                     consideration for undertaking the obligations under the
                     option contract.
 
                           A Portfolio may purchase and write put and call
                     options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign
                     exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its
                     exposure to exchange rates. Call options on foreign
                     currency written by a Portfolio will be "covered," which
                     means that the Portfolio will own an equal amount of the
                     underlying foreign currency.
 
                           A Portfolio may purchase and write put and call
                     options on indices and enter into related closing
                     transactions. Put and call options on indices are similar
                     to options on securities except that options on an index
                     give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the
                     option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the
                     underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case
                     of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of
                     cash is equal to the difference between the closing price
                     of the index and the exercise price of the option,
                     expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number.
                     Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all
                     settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends
 
                                                                              25
<PAGE>
                     on price movements in the particular market represented by
                     the index generally, rather than the price movements in
                     individual securities.
 
                           All options written on indices must be covered. When
                     a Portfolio writes an option on an index or a foreign
                     currency, it will establish a segregated account containing
                     cash or liquid, high grade debt securities with its
                     Custodian in an amount at least equal to the market value
                     of the option and will maintain the account while the
                     option is open or will otherwise cover the transaction.
 
                           RISK FACTORS.  Risks associated with options
                     transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy
                     may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices
                     of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and
                     movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect
                     correlation between the movement in prices of options and
                     the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a
                     liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while a
                     Portfolio will receive a premium when it writes covered
                     call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the
                     market value of the underlying security.
RECEIPTS
                     Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means
                     that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed
                     at face value at their maturity date without interim cash
                     payments of interest or principal. This discount is
                     accreted over the life of the security, and such accretion
                     will constitute the income earned on the security for both
                     accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features,
                     such securities may be subject to greater interest rate
                     volatility than interest paying Permitted Investments. See
                     also "Taxes."
 
REITS
                     REITs are trusts that invest primarily in commercial real
                     estate or real estate-related loans. The value of interests
                     in REITs may be affected by the value of the property owned
                     or the quality of the mortgages held by the trust.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
                     Agreements by which a Portfolio obtains a security and
                     simultaneously commits to return the security to the seller
                     at an agreed upon price (including principal and interest)
                     on an agreed upon date within a number of days from the
                     date of purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered
                     loans under the 1940 Act.
SECURITIES LENDING
                     In order to generate additional income, a Portfolio may
                     lend its securities pursuant to agreements that require
                     that the loan be continuously secured by collateral
                     consisting of cash or securities of the U.S. Government or
                     its agencies equal to at least 100% of the market value of
                     the loaned securities. A Portfolio continues to receive
                     interest on the loaned securities while simultaneously
                     earning interest on the investment of cash collateral.
                     Collateral is marked to market daily. There may be risks of
                     delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights
                     in the collateral should the borrower of the securities
                     fail financially or become insolvent.
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
                     There are certain risks connected with investing in foreign
                     securities. These include risks of adverse political and
                     economic developments (including possible governmental
                     seizure or
 
                                                                              26
<PAGE>
                     nationalization of assets), the possible imposition of
                     exchange controls or other governmental restrictions, less
                     uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, the
                     possibility that there will be less information on such
                     securities and their issuers available to the public, the
                     difficulty of obtaining or enforcing court judgments
                     abroad, restrictions on foreign investments in other
                     jurisdictions, difficulties in effecting repatriation of
                     capital invested abroad, and difficulties in transaction
                     settlements and the effect of delay on shareholder equity.
                     Foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, and may
                     be less marketable than comparable U.S. securities. The
                     value of a Portfolio's investments denominated in foreign
                     currencies will depend on the relative strengths of those
                     currencies and the U.S. dollar, and a Portfolio may be
                     affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the
                     exchange rates or exchange control regulations between
                     foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign
                     currency exchange rates also may affect the value of
                     dividends and interest earned, gains and losses realized on
                     the sale of securities and net investment income and gains,
                     if any, to be distributed to shareholders by a Portfolio.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
                     Obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S.
                     Government, including, among others, the Federal Farm
                     Credit Bank, the Federal Housing Administration and the
                     Small Business Administration, and obligations issued or
                     guaranteed by instrumentalities of the U.S. Government,
                     including, among others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                     Corporation, the Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Postal
                     Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full
                     faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government
                     National Mortgage Association securities), and others are
                     supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
                     Treasury (e.g., Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while
                     still others are supported only by the credit of the
                     instrumentality (e.g., Federal National Mortgage
                     Association securities).
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
                     U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds
                     issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                     interest and principal component parts of such obligations
                     known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                     Principal Securities ("STRIPS") that are transferable
                     through the Federal book-entry system.
U.S. TREASURY RECEIPTS
                     U.S. Treasury receipts are interests in separately traded
                     interest and principal component parts of U.S. Treasury
                     obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and
                     are created by depositing U.S. Treasury obligations into a
                     special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds
                     the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the
                     registered owners of the certificates of receipts. The
                     custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or
                     receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS
                     Certain obligations 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 floor or ceiling on
                     interest rate changes.
 
                                                                              27
<PAGE>
WARRANTS
                     Warrants are instruments giving holders the right, but not
                     the obligation, to buy equity or fixed income securities of
                     a company at a given price during a specified period.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES, INCLUDING TBA MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES
                     When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                     purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                     place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                     securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                     purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                     Custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                     securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                     commitments. The interest rate realized on these securities
                     is fixed as of the purchase date, and no interest accrues
                     to the Portfolio before settlement.
 
                           One form of when-issued or delayed-delivery security
                     that a Portfolio may purchase is a "to be announced"
                     ("TBA") mortgage-backed security. A TBA mortgage-backed
                     security transaction arises when a mortgage-backed
                     security, such as a GNMA pass-through security, is
                     purchased or sold with specific pools that will constitute
                     that GNMA pass-through security to be announced on a future
                     settlement date.
YANKEE OBLIGATIONS
                     Yankee obligations ("Yankees") are U.S. dollar-denominated
                     instruments of foreign issuers who either register with the
                     Securities and Exchange Commission or issue securities
                     under Rule 144A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as
                     amended. These consist of debt securities (including
                     preferred or preference stock of non-governmental issuers),
                     certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers'
                     acceptances issued by foreign banks, and debt obligations
                     of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and
                     instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational
                     entities.
ZERO COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES
                     Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a
                     discount to par value and securities on which interest
                     payments are not made during the life of the security. Upon
                     maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value
                     of the security. While interest payments are not made on
                     such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to
                     have received "phantom income" annually. Because a
                     Portfolio will distribute its "phantom income" to
                     shareholders, to the extent that shareholders elect to
                     receive dividends in cash rather than reinvesting such
                     dividends in additional shares, a Portfolio will have fewer
                     assets with which to purchase income producing securities.
                     In the event of adverse market conditions, zero coupon,
                     pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities may be subject
                     to greater fluctuations in value and may be less liquid
                     than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at
                     regular interest payment periods.
 
                     Additional information on permitted investments and risk
                     factors can be found in the Statement of Additional
                     Information.
 
                                                                              28
<PAGE>
APPENDIX--DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS ________________________________
 
                          MOODY'S RATINGS DEFINITIONS
 
LONG TERM
 
Aaa
     Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
     the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
     "gilt edged". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
     exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
     protective elements are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
     margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
     likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to
     impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
 
Aa
     Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
     Together with the Aaa group 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 risk appear somewhat larger than
     the Aaa securities.
 
A
     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 some time in
     the future.
 
Baa
     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.
 
Ba
     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.
 
B
     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.
 
Caa
     Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
     default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
     principal or interest.
 
Ca
     Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
     high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
     shortcomings.
 
C
     Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
     rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
     any real investment standing.
 
                                                                             A-1
<PAGE>
Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applied to 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.
 
NOTE:  Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
                     STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS DEFINITIONS
 
A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal debt rating is a current assessment
of creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This
assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
 
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, as
it does not comment on market price or suitability for a particular investor.
 
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
    (1) Likelihood of default. The rating assesses the obligor's capacity and
    willingness as to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in
    accordance with the terms of the obligation.
 
                                                                             A-2
<PAGE>
    (2) The obligation's nature and provisions.
 
    (3) Protection afforded to, and relative position of, the obligation in the
    event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under bankruptcy
    laws and other laws affecting creditor's rights.
 
Likelihood of default is indicated by an issuer's senior debt rating. If senior
debt is not rated, an implied senior debt rating is determined. Subordinated
debt usually is rated lower than senior debt to better reflect relative position
of the obligation in bankruptcy. Unsecured debt, where significant secured debt
exists, is treated similarly to subordinated debt.
 
LONG-TERM
 
INVESTMENT GRADE
 
AAA
     Debt rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
AA
     Debt rated 'AA' has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
     principal and differs from the highest rated debt only in small degree.
 
A
     Debt rated 'A' has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
     although it is somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects of changes in
     circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
 
BBB
     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.
 
SPECULATIVE GRADE
 
Debt rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' 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 exposure to adverse conditions.
 
BB
     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.
 
B
     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.
 
                                                                             A-3
<PAGE>
CCC
     Debt rated 'CCC' has a current identifiable vulnerability to default, and
     is dependent on favorable business, financial and economic conditions to
     meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
     adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to
     have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The 'CCC' rating
     category also is used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned
     an actual or implied 'B' or 'B-' rating.
 
CC
     The rating 'CC' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
     which is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating.
 
C
     The rating 'C' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
     which is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC-' debt rating. The 'C' rating
     may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been
     filed, but debt service payment are continued.
 
CI
     Debt rated 'CI' is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
     paid.
 
D
     Debt is rated 'D' when the issue is in payment default, or the obligor has
     filed for bankruptcy. The 'D' rating is used when interest or principal
     payments are not made on the date due, even if the applicable grace period
     has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during
     such grace period.
 
Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC' may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
 
c
     The letter 'C' indicates that the holder's option to tender the security
     for purchase may be canceled under certain prestated conditions enumerated
     in the tender option documents.
 
p
     The letter 'p' indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional
     rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by the
     debt being rated and indicates that payment of the debt service
     requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful timely
     completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit
     quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the
     likelihood of, or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The
     investor should exercise his own judgement with respect to such likelihood
     and risk.
 
L
     The letter 'L' indicates that the rating pertains to the principal amount
     of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is
     federally insured, and interest is adequately collateralized. In the case
     of certificates of deposit, the letter 'L' indicates that the deposit,
     combined with other deposits being held in the same right and capacity,
     will be honored for principal and pre-default interest up to federal
     insurance limits within 30 days after closing of the insured institution
     or, in the event that the deposit is assumed by a successor insured
     institution, upon maturity.
 
- ----------
 
*Continuance of the rating is contingent upon S&P's receipt of an executed copy
 of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and
 cash flows.
 
N.R. Not rated.
 
                                                                             A-4
<PAGE>
Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are
rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings
measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.
 
If an issuer's actual or implied senior debt rating is 'AAA', its subordinated
or junior debt is rated 'AAA' or 'AA+'. If an issuer's actual or implied senior
debt rating is lower than 'AAA' but higher than 'BB+', its junior debt is
typically rated one designation lower than the senior debt ratings. For example,
if the senior debt rating is 'A', subordinated debt normally would be rated
'A-'. If an issuer's actual or implied senior debt rating is 'BB+' or lower, its
subordinated debt is typically rated two designations lower than the senior debt
rating.
 
NOTE:  The term "investment grade" was originally used by various regulatory
bodies to connote obligations eligible for investment by institutions such as
banks, insurance companies, and savings and loan associations. Over time, this
term gained widespread usage throughout the investment community. Issues rated
in the four highest categories, 'AAA', 'AA', 'A', 'BBB', generally are
recognized as being investment grade. Debt 'BB' or below generally is referred
to as speculative grade. The term "junk bond" is merely a more irreverent
expression for this category of more risky debt. Neither term indicates which
securities S&P deems worthy of investment, as an investor with a particular risk
preference may appropriately invest in securities that are not investment grade.
 
                FITCH INVESTOR SERVICES INC. RATINGS DEFINITIONS
 
LONG-TERM
 
AAA
     Bonds rated AAA are judged to be strictly high grade, broadly marketable,
     suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions liable to
     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 greater than interest requirements, with such stability of applicable
     earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes occur
     in conditions.
 
AA
     Bonds rated AA are judged 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.
 
A
     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.
 
BBB
     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.
 
                                                                             A-5
<PAGE>
BB
     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.
 
B
     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.
 
CCC
     Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
     lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
     business and economic environment.
 
CC
     Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
     principal seems probable over time.
 
C
     Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
 
DDD
DD
D
     Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds are
     extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate
     recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. 'DDD'
     represents the lowest potential for recovery on these bonds, and 'D'
     represents the lowest potential for recovery.
 
PLUS (+) MINUS (-)  Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the 'AAA', 'DDD', 'DD', or 'D' categories.
 
                   DUFF AND PHELPS, INC. RATINGS DEFINITIONS
 
AAA
     Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
     slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
AA+
AA-
     High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may
     vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
 
A+
A-
     Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are more
     variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
 
BBB+
BBB-
     Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for
     prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic
     cycles.
 
BB+
BB
BB-
     Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
     Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
     industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or
     down frequently within this category.
 
B+
B
B-
     Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be met
     when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to
     economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential
     exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a
     higher or lower rating grade.
 
                                                                             A-6
<PAGE>
CCC
     Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as
     to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends. Protection
     factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable economic/
     industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
 
DD
     Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
     and/or interest payments.
 
DP
     Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
 
                        IBCA LIMITED RATINGS DEFINITIONS
 
AAA
     Obligations rated AAA have the lowest expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is substantial,
     such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions are
     unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
AA
     Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment risk
     are rated AA. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
A
     Bonds rated A are obligations for which there is a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     strong, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions may lead to increased investment risk.
 
BBB
     Bonds rated BBB are obligations for which there is currently a low
     expectation of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal
     and interest is adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or
     financial conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk
     than for obligations in other categories.
 
BB
     Bonds rated BB are obligations for which there is a possibility of
     investment risk developing. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and
     interest exists, but is susceptible over time to adverse changes in
     business, economic or financial conditions. Bonds rated B are obligations
     for which investment risk exists. Timely repayment of principal and
     interest is not sufficiently protected against adverse changes in business,
     economic or financial conditions.
 
B
     Obligations for which investment risk exists. Timely repayment of principal
     and interest is not sufficiently protected against adverse changes in
     business, economic or financial conditions.
 
CCC
     Obligations for which there is a current perceived possibility of default.
     Timely repayment of principal and interest is dependent on favorable
     business, economic or financial conditions.
 
CC
     Obligations which are highly speculative or which have a high risk of
     default.
 
C
     Obligations which are currently in default.
 
NOTES:  "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within
major rating categories.
 
      Ratings of BB and below are assigned where it is considered that
speculative characteristics are present.
 
                                                                             A-7
<PAGE>
                     THOMSON BANKWATCH RATINGS DEFINITIONS
 
AAA
     Bonds rated AAA indicate that the ability to repay principal and interest
     on a timely basis is very high.
 
AA
     Bonds rated AA indicate a superior ability to repay principal and interest
     on a timely basis, with limited incremental risk compared to issues rated
     in the highest category.
 
A
     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.
 
BBB
     Bonds rated BBB 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.
 
BB
     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.
 
B
     Issues rated B show a higher degree of uncertainty and therefore greater
     likelihood of default than higher-rated issues. Adverse developments could
     well negatively affect the payment of interest and principal on a timely
     basis.
 
CCC
     Issues rated "CCC" clearly have a high likelihood of default, with little
     capacity to address further adverse changes in financial circumstances.
 
CC
     "CC" is applied to issues that are subordinate to other obligations rated
     "CCC" and are afforded less protection in the event of bankruptcy or
     reorganization.
 
D
     Default
 
Ratings in the Long-Term Debt categories may include a plus (+) or minus (-)
designation, which indicates where within the respective category the issue is
placed.
 
                                                                             A-8
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
               _________________________________________________________________
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
Annual Operating Expenses........................          2
Financial Highlights.............................          3
The Trust........................................          4
Investment Objectives and Policies...............          4
General Investment Policies......................          6
Risk Factors.....................................          7
Investment Limitations...........................          9
The Manager......................................         10
The Adviser......................................         10
The Sub-Advisers.................................         11
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing...........         13
Purchase and Redemption of Shares................         14
Performance......................................         16
Taxes............................................         17
General Information..............................         18
Description of Permitted Investments and Risk
 Factors.........................................         20
Appendix.........................................        A-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
JANUARY 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
MID-CAP PORTFOLIO
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
portfolios. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing, and keep it
on file for future reference.
 
A Statement of Additional Information dated January 31, 1997, has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, Oaks,
Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-342-5734. The Statement of Additional
Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.
 
SEI Institutional Managed Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company, certain classes of which offer financial institutions a
convenient means of investing their own funds or funds for which they act in a
fiduciary, agency or custodial capacity in professionally managed diversified
portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes of shares that
differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain distribution
expenses, sales charges and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers
the Class A shares of one balanced (fixed income and equity) and seven equity
portfolios (each a "Portfolio" and, together, the "Portfolios") listed above.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
 A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
 THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
 ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK. THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
 FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
 GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE
 LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)        CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        LARGE CAP  LARGE CAP  SMALL CAP  SMALL CAP               CAPITAL      EQUITY
                                          VALUE     GROWTH      VALUE     GROWTH     MID-CAP   APPRECIATION   INCOME
                                        PORTFOLIO  PORTFOLIO  PORTFOLIO  PORTFOLIO  PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO    PORTFOLIO
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Management Fee/Advisory Fees (AFTER
 FEE WAIVER)                                0.70%      0.70%(1)     1.00%     1.00%     0.75%         0.70%(1)     0.70%(1)
12b-1 Fees                                   None       None       None       None       None          None       None
Total Other Expenses (AFTER
 REIMBURSEMENTS)                            0.15%      0.15%      0.10%      0.10%      0.25%         0.14%        0.15%
   Shareholder Servicing Fees (AFTER
     FEE WAIVER) (2)                    0.08%      0.10%      0.03%      0.03%      0.12%      0.05%         0.07%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (AFTER FEE
 WAIVERS) (3)                               0.85%      0.85%      1.10%      1.10%      1.00%         0.84%      0.85%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)        CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            BALANCED
                                                                                                            PORTFOLIO
                                                                                                            ---------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
Management Fee/Advisory Fees (AFTER FEE WAIVER)                                                                 0.62%(1)
12b-1 Fees (AFTER REIMBURSEMENTS)                                                                             None
Total Other Expenses (AFTER REIMBURSEMENTS)                                                                     0.13%
  Shareholder Servicing Fees (AFTER FEE WAIVER) (2)                                                         0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (AFTER FEE WAIVERS) (3)                                                                0.75%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) SEI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION ("SFM") AND CERTAIN OF THE SUB-ADVISERS
    (COLLECTIVELY, "ADVISERS") HAVE AGREED TO WAIVE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, A
    PORTION OF THEIR FEES, AND THE MANAGEMENT/ADVISORY FEES SHOWN REFLECT THESE
    VOLUNTARY WAIVERS. SUCH FEE WAIVERS ARE VOLUNTARY AND MAY BE TERMINATED AT
    ANY TIME IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF EACH ENTITY THAT HAS AGREED TO WAIVE A
    PORTION OF ITS FEE. ABSENT SUCH FEE WAIVERS, MANAGEMENT/ADVISORY FEES WOULD
    BE: LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO, .75%; CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO, .75%;
    EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO, .75%; AND BALANCED PORTFOLIO, .75%. MANAGEMENT/
    ADVISORY FEES FOR THE MID-CAP PORTFOLIO ARE RESTATED TO REFLECT THE
    ELIMINATION OF FEE WAIVERS.
 
(2) THE DISTRIBUTOR HAS WAIVED, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, ALL OR A PORTION OF ITS
    SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEE, AND THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEES SHOWN REFLECT
    THIS WAIVER. THE DISTRIBUTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE ITS WAIVER AT
    ANY TIME IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. ABSENT SUCH WAIVER, SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
    FEES WOULD BE .25% FOR EACH PORTFOLIO.
 
(3) ABSENT THESE FEE WAIVERS, TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE CLASS A SHARES OF
    THE PORTFOLIOS WOULD BE: LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO, 1.02%; LARGE CAP GROWTH
    PORTFOLIO, 1.05%; SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO, 1.32%; SMALL CAP GROWTH
    PORTFOLIO, 1.32%; MID-CAP PORTFOLIO, 1.13%; CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO,
    1.09%; EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO, 1.08%; AND BALANCED PORTFOLIO, 1.13%.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND UNDER "THE ADVISER," "THE SUB-ADVISERS"
    AND "THE MANAGER."
 
EXAMPLE                                                                  CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1 YR.       3 YRS.       5 YRS.       10 YRS.
                                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
An investor in a Portfolio would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
 investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
 each time period:
  Large Cap Value Portfolio                                                       $       9    $      27    $      47    $     105
  Large Cap Growth Portfolio                                                      $       9    $      27    $      47    $     105
  Small Cap Value Portfolio                                                       $      11    $      35    $      61    $     134
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio                                                      $      11    $      35    $      61    $     134
  Mid-Cap Portfolio                                                               $      10    $      32    $      55    $     122
  Capital Appreciation Portfolio                                                  $       9    $      27    $      47    $     104
  Equity Income Portfolio                                                         $       9    $      27    $      47    $     105
  Balanced Portfolio                                                              $       8    $      24    $      42    $      93
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
THE PURPOSE OF THE EXPENSE TABLE AND EXAMPLE IS TO ASSIST THE INVESTOR IN
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS COSTS AND EXPENSES THAT MAY BE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
BORNE BY INVESTORS IN CLASS A SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS. THE SMALL CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO ALSO OFFERS CLASS D SHARES, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME EXPENSES,
EXCEPT THAT CLASS D SHARES BEAR DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTION COSTS, ADDITIONAL
TRANSFER AGENT COSTS AND SALES CHARGES. A PERSON WHO PURCHASES SHARES THROUGH A
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MAY BE CHARGED SEPARATE FEES BY THAT INSTITUTION.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND UNDER "THE MANAGER," "THE ADVISER," "THE
SUB-ADVISERS" AND "DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING."
 
                                                                               2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                  ______________________________________________________________
 
The following information has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Trust's
independent accountants, as indicated in their report dated November 22, 1996 on
the Trust's financial statements as of September 30, 1996 incorporated by
reference into the Trust's Statement of Additional Information. The Trust's
financial statements and additional performance information are set forth in the
1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is available upon request and without
charge by calling 1-800-342-5734. This table should be read in conjunction with
the Trust's financial statements and notes thereto.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
                           NET ASSET       NET       NET REALIZED AND   DIVIDENDS
                             VALUE     INVESTMENT       UNREALIZED       FROM NET    DISTRIBUTIONS   NET ASSET
                           BEGINNING     INCOME       GAINS (LOSSES)    INVESTMENT   FROM REALIZED   VALUE END    TOTAL
                           OF PERIOD     (LOSS)       ON SECURITIES       INCOME     CAPITAL GAINS   OF PERIOD    RETURN
<S>                        <C>         <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------
LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                      $  13.00     $ 0.32           $ 2.01          $(0.26)       $(0.29)       $  14.78     18.33%
  1995                         10.71       0.33             2.44           (0.33)        (0.15)          13.00     26.83%
  1994                         11.54       0.28            (0.46)          (0.27)        (0.38)          10.71     (1.64)%
  1993                         12.49       0.31             0.22           (0.33)        (1.15)          11.54      4.35%
  1992                         12.05       0.34             0.71           (0.33)        (0.28)          12.49      9.17%
  1991                          9.30       0.35             2.92           (0.35)        (0.17)          12.05     35.95%
  1990                         11.75       0.33            (2.16)          (0.38)        (0.24)           9.30    (16.42)%
  1989                          9.45       0.33             2.24           (0.27)       --               11.75    (27.58)%
  1988                         10.99       0.30            (1.52)          (0.31)        (0.01)           9.45    (10.88)%
  1987(1)                      10.00       0.12             0.96           (0.09)       --               10.99     24.28%
- -------------------------
LARGE CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
  1996                      $  12.75     $ 0.07           $ 2.51          $(0.08)       $(0.22)       $  15.03     20.59%
  1995(2)                      10.00       0.11             2.72           (0.08)       --               12.75     37.90%
- -------------------------
SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
  1996                      $  12.19     $ 0.02           $ 1.27          $(0.01)       $(0.30)       $  13.17     10.86%
  1995(3)                      10.00       0.03             2.19           (0.03)       --               12.19     29.38%
- -------------------------
SMALL CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                      $  19.88     $(0.08)          $ 4.37          $--           $(3.66)       $  20.51     26.56%
  1995                         14.04      (0.14)            5.98           --           --               19.88     41.65%
  1994                         14.67      (0.05)            0.07           --            (0.65)          14.04      0.23%
  1993                         10.65      (0.02)            4.05           (0.01)       --               14.67     37.81%
  1992(4)                      10.00       0.02             0.65           (0.02)       --               10.65     15.07%
- ------------------
MID-CAP PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
CLASS A
  1996                      $  13.04     $ 0.18           $ 1.89          $(0.15)       $--           $  14.96     16.03%
  1995                         10.89       0.01             2.14           --           --               13.04     19.78%
  1994                         12.10       0.01            (0.98)          (0.01)        (0.23)          10.89     (8.10)%
  1993(5)                      10.00       0.01             2.10           (0.01)       --               12.10     34.06%
 
<CAPTION>
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTST
                                                                                   RATIO OF NET
                                                                                    INVESTMENT
                                                       RATIO OF NET    RATIO OF       INCOME
                                                        INVESTMENT     EXPENSE        (LOSS)
                                           RATIO OF       INCOME      TO AVERAGE    TO AVERAGE
                            NET ASSETS     EXPENSES     (LOSS) TO     NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS    PORTFOLIO   AVERAGE
                              END OF      TO AVERAGE     AVERAGE      (EXCLUDING    (EXCLUDING    TURNOVER   COMMISSION
                           PERIOD (000)   NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS     WAIVERS)      WAIVERS)       RATE       RATE+
<S>                        <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>
- -------------------------
- -------------------------
LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                       $  515,011      0.83%         2.31%         0.83%         2.31%         75%      $  0.0531
  1995                          331,692      0.76%         2.92%         0.82%         2.86%         99%        N/A
  1994                          133,178      0.75%         2.51%         0.75%         2.51%         67%        N/A
  1993                          205,157      0.75%         2.64%         0.76%         2.63%         96%        N/A
  1992                          242,065      0.75%         2.79%         0.80%         2.74%         17%        N/A
  1991                          187,876      0.75%         3.11%         0.83%         3.03%         25%        N/A
  1990                          119,763      0.75%         3.05%         0.98%         2.82%         28%        N/A
  1989                          111,810      0.76%         3.31%         1.26%         2.81%         29%        N/A
  1988                           44,841      0.75%         3.37%         1.33%         2.79%         44%        N/A
  1987(1)                        39,234      0.74%         2.82%         1.14%         2.42%          7%        N/A
- -------------------------
LARGE CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
  1996                       $  482,079      0.82%         0.50%         0.87%         0.45%         90%      $  0.0602
  1995(2)                       297,377      0.85%         1.15%         0.89%         1.11%         44%        N/A
- -------------------------
SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
  1996                       $  163,177      1.11%         0.15%         1.11%         0.15%        121%      $  0.0507
  1995(3)                       102,975      1.10%         0.26%         1.12%         0.24%         64%        N/A
- -------------------------
SMALL CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                       $  380,525      1.10%        (0.63)%        1.11%        (0.64)%       167%      $  0.0529
  1995                          310,238      1.10%        (0.60)%        1.13%        (0.63)%       113%        N/A
  1994                          300,296      1.01%        (0.51)%        1.11%        (0.61)%        97%        N/A
  1993                          193,816      0.97%        (0.25)%        1.14%        (0.42)%        85%        N/A
  1992(4)                        36,191      0.97%         0.49%         1.29%         0.17%         33%        N/A
- ------------------
MID-CAP PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
CLASS A
  1996                       $   24,954      0.77%         1.28%         0.88%         1.17%        101%      $  0.0124
  1995                           27,898      0.94%         0.04%         1.09%        (0.11)%       108%        N/A
  1994                          108,002      0.93%         0.03%         1.06%        (0.10)%        89%        N/A
  1993(5)                        57,669      0.90%         0.26%         1.12%         0.04%         87%        N/A
</TABLE>
 
                                                                               3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) _______________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
                           NET ASSET       NET       NET REALIZED AND   DIVIDENDS
                             VALUE     INVESTMENT       UNREALIZED       FROM NET    DISTRIBUTIONS   NET ASSET
                           BEGINNING     INCOME       GAINS (LOSSES)    INVESTMENT   FROM REALIZED   VALUE END    TOTAL
                           OF PERIOD     (LOSS)       ON SECURITIES       INCOME     CAPITAL GAINS   OF PERIOD    RETURN
<S>                        <C>         <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------
CAPITAL APPRECIATION
PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                      $  16.70     $ 0.20           $ 3.18          $(0.17)       $(1.77)       $  18.14     22.14%
  1995                         15.18       0.22             2.42           (0.23)        (0.89)          16.70     19.03%
  1994                         16.36       0.24            (0.22)          (0.25)        (0.95)          15.18     (0.11)%
  1993                         15.09       0.32             1.68           (0.30)        (0.43)          16.36     13.50%
  1992                         14.15       0.30             1.23           (0.30)        (0.29)          15.09     11.03%
  1991                         11.21       0.41             3.06           (0.40)        (0.13)          14.15     31.69%
  1990                         13.29       0.35            (1.01)          (0.39)        (1.03)          11.21     (5.75)%
  1989                         10.06       0.31             3.34           (0.28)        (0.14)          13.29     37.43%
  1988(6)                      10.00       0.16             0.03           (0.13)       --               10.06      3.34%
- ------------------------
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                      $  16.07     $ 0.49           $ 2.20          $(0.41)       $(1.95)       $  16.40     18.17%
  1995                         14.06       0.55             2.48           (0.55)        (0.47)          16.07     23.00%
  1994                         15.00       0.51            (0.38)          (0.50)        (0.57)          14.06      1.05%
  1993                         13.33       0.51             1.75           (0.51)        (0.08)          15.00     17.34%
  1992                         12.36       0.52             1.05           (0.52)        (0.08)          13.33     13.03%
  1991                         10.09       0.57             2.54           (0.60)        (0.24)          12.36     32.05%
  1990                         12.82       0.62            (2.41)          (0.66)        (0.28)          10.09    (15.02)%
  1989                         10.37       0.49             2.40           (0.42)        (0.02)          12.82     28.53%
  1988(7)                      10.00       0.10             0.34           (0.07)       --               10.37     13.49%
- -------------------
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
- -------------------
CLASS A
  1996                      $  12.76     $ 0.42           $ 1.44          $(0.34)       $(0.34)       $  13.94     15.01%
  1995                         11.52       0.34             1.34           (0.34)        (0.10)          12.76     15.05%
  1994                         12.24       0.23            (0.62)          (0.22)        (0.11)          11.52     (3.25)%
  1993                         11.35       0.25             1.29           (0.26)        (0.39)          12.24     14.49%
  1992                         10.70       0.52             0.73           (0.53)        (0.07)          11.35     11.64%
  1991                          9.77       0.65             0.96           (0.68)       --               10.70     15.96%
  1990(8)                      10.00       0.07            (0.30)          --           --                9.77    (15.56)%
 
<CAPTION>
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTST
                                                                                   RATIO OF NET
                                                                                    INVESTMENT
                                                       RATIO OF NET    RATIO OF       INCOME
                                                        INVESTMENT     EXPENSE        (LOSS)
                                           RATIO OF       INCOME      TO AVERAGE    TO AVERAGE
                            NET ASSETS     EXPENSES     (LOSS) TO     NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS    PORTFOLIO   AVERAGE
                              END OF      TO AVERAGE     AVERAGE      (EXCLUDING    (EXCLUDING    TURNOVER   COMMISSION
                           PERIOD (000)   NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS     WAIVERS)      WAIVERS)       RATE       RATE+
<S>                        <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>
- -------------------------
- -------------------------
CAPITAL APPRECIATION
PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                       $  236,581      0.84%         1.20%         0.86%         1.18%        153%      $  0.0517
  1995                          310,693      0.84%         1.39%         0.89%         1.34%        107%        N/A
  1994                          729,100      0.79%         1.45%         0.84%         1.40%        109%        N/A
  1993                          776,745      0.75%         2.06%         0.84%         1.97%        119%        N/A
  1992                          536,028      0.75%         2.12%         0.88%         1.99%         84%        N/A
  1991                          248,440      0.75%         3.10%         0.94%         2.91%         83%        N/A
  1990                           47,250      0.75%         2.95%         1.04%         2.66%         96%        N/A
  1989                           47,250      0.76%         2.98%         1.50%         2.24%        122%        N/A
  1988(6)                        17,848      0.76%         3.17%         1.14%         2.79%         87%        N/A
- ------------------------
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------
CLASS A
  1996                       $  202,823      0.83%         3.00%         0.86%         2.97%         43%      $  0.0429
  1995                          250,609      0.82%         3.72%         0.88%         3.66%         47%        N/A
  1994                          418,207      0.78%         3.68%         0.84%         3.62%         28%        N/A
  1993                          337,939      0.75%         3.73%         0.85%         3.63%         39%        N/A
  1992                          178,756      0.75%         4.15%         0.87%         4.03%         18%        N/A
  1991                           93,552      0.75%         4.99%         0.86%         4.88%         42%        N/A
  1990                           54,193      0.75%         5.63%         1.02%         5.36%         33%        N/A
  1989                           30,865      0.76%         5.03%         2.62%         3.17%         11%        N/A
  1988(7)                         2,910      1.04%         4.74%         1.18%         4.60%          5%        N/A
- -------------------
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
- -------------------
CLASS A
  1996                       $   57,915      0.75%         2.98%         0.84%         2.89%        143%      $  0.0382
  1995                           70,464      0.75%         2.92%         0.90%         2.77%        159%        N/A
  1994                           65,480      0.75%         2.05%         0.91%         1.89%        149%        N/A
  1993                           33,807      0.75%         2.24%         0.94%         2.05%        109%        N/A
  1992                            5,974      0.75%         4.83%         1.12%         4.46%        101%        N/A
  1991                            2,174      0.75%         5.68%         2.54%         3.89%         19%        N/A
  1990(8)                           459      0.76%         5.66%         3.23%         3.19%          0%        N/A
</TABLE>
 
 (1) LARGE CAP VALUE CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING APRIL 20, 1987. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (2) LARGE CAP GROWTH CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING DECEMBER 20, 1994.
    ALL RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (3) SMALL CAP VALUE CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING DECEMBER 20, 1994.
    ALL RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (4) SMALL CAP GROWTH CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING APRIL 20, 1992. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (5) MID-CAP CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 16, 1993. ALL RATIOS
    INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (6) CAPITAL APPRECIATION CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING MARCH 1, 1988.
    ALL RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (7) EQUITY INCOME CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING JUNE 2, 1988. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 (8) BALANCED CLASS A SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 6, 1992. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
  + AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PAID PER SHARE FOR SECURITY PURCHASES AND SALES
    DURING THE PERIOD. PRESENTATION OF THE RATE IS REQUIRED FOR FISCAL YEARS
    BEGINNING AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1995.
 
                                                                               4
<PAGE>
THE TRUST
      __________________________________________________________________________
 
SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end investment
management company that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in
separate diversified and non-diversified portfolios. The Small Cap Growth
Portfolio has two separate classes of shares, Class A and Class D, which provide
for variations in distribution and transfer agent costs, sales charges, voting
rights and dividends. This prospectus offers Class A shares of the Trust's Large
Cap Value, Large Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Small Cap Growth, Mid-Cap, Capital
Appreciation, Equity Income and Balanced Portfolios (each a "Portfolio" and,
together, the "Portfolios"). The investment adviser and investment sub-advisers
to the Portfolios are referred to collectively as the "advisers." Additional
information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by writing SEI Financial
Services Company, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
     ___________________________________________________________________________
LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Large Cap Value Portfolio
                     is long-term growth of capital and income. There can be no
                     assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment
                     objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in a diversified
                     portfolio of high quality, income producing common stocks
                     of large companies (i.e., companies with market
                     capitalizations of more than $1 billion) which, in the
                     opinion of the advisers, are undervalued in the marketplace
                     at the time of purchase. In general, the advisers
                     characterize high quality securities as those that have
                     above-average reinvestment rates. The advisers also
                     consider other factors, such as earnings and dividend
                     growth prospects, as well as industry outlook and market
                     share. Any remaining assets may be invested in other equity
                     securities and in investment grade fixed income securities.
                     Investment grade fixed income securities are securities
                     that are rated at least BBB by Standard & Poor's
                     Corporation ("S&P") or Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
                     Inc. ("Moody's").
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-advisers are
                     LSV Asset Management, Mellon Equity Associates and Pacific
                     Alliance Capital Management.
 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Large Cap Growth Portfolio
                     is capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the
                     Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                     securities of large companies (i.e., companies with market
                     capitalizations of more than $1 billion) which, in the
                     opinion of the advisers, possess significant growth
                     potential. Any remaining assets may be invested in
                     investment grade fixed income securities or in equity
                     securities of smaller companies that the Portfolio's
                     advisers believe are appropriate in light of the
                     Portfolio's objective.
 
                                                                               5
<PAGE>
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-advisers are
                     Alliance Capital Management L.P., IDS Advisory Group Inc.
                     and Provident Investment Counsel, Inc.
 
SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Small Cap Value Portfolio
                     is capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the
                     Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in the equity
                     securities of smaller companies (i.e., companies with
                     market capitalizations of less than $1 billion) which, in
                     the opinion of the advisers, have prices that appear low
                     relative to certain fundamental characteristics such as
                     earnings, book value, or return on equity. Any remaining
                     assets may be invested in investment grade fixed income
                     securities or equity securities of larger, more established
                     companies that the Portfolio's advisers believe are
                     appropriate in light of the Portfolio's objective.
 
                           The Portfolio's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%.
                     Such a turnover rate may result in higher transaction costs
                     and in additional taxes for shareholders. See "Taxes."
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-advisers are
                     1838 Investment Advisors, L.P. and Boston Partners Asset
                     Management, L.P.
 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio
                     is long-term capital appreciation. There can be no
                     assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment
                     objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in the equity
                     securities of smaller growth companies (i.e., companies
                     with market capitalizations less than $1 billion) which, in
                     the opinion of the advisers, are in an early stage or
                     transitional point in their development and have
                     demonstrated or have the potential for above average
                     capital growth. The advisers will select companies that
                     have the potential to gain market share in their industry,
                     achieve and maintain high and consistent profitability or
                     produce increases in earnings. The advisers also seek
                     companies with strong company management and superior
                     fundamental strength. Small capitalization companies have
                     the potential to show earnings growth over time that is
                     well above the growth rate of the overall economy. Any
                     remaining assets may be invested in the equity securities
                     of more established companies that the advisers believe may
                     offer strong capital appreciation potential due to their
                     relative market position, anticipated earnings growth,
                     changes in management or other similar opportunities.
 
                           For temporary defensive purposes, the Portfolio may
                     invest all or a portion of its assets in common stocks of
                     larger, more established companies and in investment grade
                     fixed income securities.
 
                           The Portfolio's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%.
                     Such a turnover rate may result in higher transaction costs
                     and in additional taxes for shareholders. See "Taxes."
 
                                                                               6
<PAGE>
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-advisers are
                     Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, Inc., First of
                     America Investment Corporation, Furman Selz Capital
                     Management LLC, and Wall Street Associates.
 
MID-CAP PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Mid-Cap Portfolio is
                     long-term capital appreciation. There can be no assurance
                     that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
                     securities of medium-sized companies (i.e., companies with
                     market capitalizations of $500 million to $5 billion). Such
                     companies are typically well established but have not
                     reached full maturity, and may offer significant growth
                     potential. The advisers will seek to identify companies
                     which, in their opinion, will experience accelerating
                     earnings, increased institutional ownership or strong price
                     appreciation relative to their industries and broad market
                     averages.
 
                           Any remaining assets may be invested in equity
                     securities of larger, more established companies,
                     investment grade fixed income securities or money market
                     securities. For temporary defensive purposes, when the
                     advisers determine that market conditions warrant, the
                     Portfolio may invest all or a portion of its assets in
                     equity securities of larger companies.
 
                           The Portfolio's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%.
                     Such a turnover rate may result in higher transaction costs
                     and in additional taxes for shareholders. See "Taxes."
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-adviser is
                     Martingale Asset Management, L.P.
 
CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Capital Appreciation
                     Portfolio is capital appreciation. There can be no
                     assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment
                     objective.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                     Portfolio's assets will be invested in a diversified
                     portfolio of common stocks (and securities convertible into
                     common stock) which, in the opinion of the advisers, are
                     undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase.
                     Dividend income is an incidental consideration compared to
                     growth of capital. In selecting securities for the
                     Portfolio, the advisers will evaluate factors they believe
                     are likely to affect long-term capital appreciation such as
                     the issuer's background, industry position, historical
                     returns on equity and experience and qualifications of the
                     management team. The advisers will rotate the Portfolio
                     holdings between various market sectors based on economic
                     analysis of the overall business cycle. Any remaining
                     assets may be invested in investment grade fixed income
                     securities and other types of equity securities.
 
                           The Portfolio's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%.
                     Such a turnover rate may result in higher transaction costs
                     and in additional taxes for shareholders. See "Taxes."
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-adviser is
                     STI Capital Management, N.A.
 
                                                                               7
<PAGE>
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Equity Income Portfolio is
                     to provide current income and, as a secondary objective,
                     moderate capital appreciation. There can be no assurance
                     that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objectives.
 
                           Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
                     Portfolio's assets will be invested in a diversified
                     portfolio of common stocks. The investment approach
                     employed by the advisers emphasizes income-producing common
                     stocks which, in general, have above-average dividend
                     yields relative to the stock market as measured by the
                     Standard and Poor's 500 Index. Any remaining assets may be
                     invested in investment grade fixed income securities.
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-adviser is
                     Pacific Alliance Capital Management.
 
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the Balanced Portfolio is total
                     return consistent with the preservation of capital. There
                     can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its
                     investment objective.
 
                           The Portfolio invests in a combination of undervalued
                     common stocks and fixed income securities or in other
                     investment companies that invest in such securities. The
                     Portfolio seeks strong total return in all market
                     conditions, with a special emphasis on minimizing interim
                     declines during falling equity markets. The Portfolio
                     primarily invests in large capitalization equity
                     securities, intermediate-maturity fixed income securities
                     and money market instruments.
 
                           The average maturity of the fixed income securities
                     in the Portfolio will, under normal circumstances, be
                     approximately five years, although this will vary with
                     changing market conditions.
 
                           The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial
                     Management Corporation, and its investment sub-adviser is
                     STI Capital Management, N.A.
 
GENERAL INVESTMENT
POLICIES
     ___________________________________________________________________________
BORROWING
                     Each Portfolio may borrow money to meet redemptions for
                     temporary, emergency purposes. Interest paid on such
                     borrowings will reduce a Portfolio's income. A Portfolio
                     will not purchase securities while its borrowings exceed 5%
                     of its total assets.
 
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio may purchase equity securities. Equity
                     securities include common stock, preferred stock, warrants
                     or rights to subscribe to common stock and, in general, any
                     security that is convertible into or exchangeable for
                     common stock. The Large Cap Value, Small Cap Growth,
                     Capital Appreciation and Equity Income Portfolios may only
                     invest in such securities if they are listed on registered
                     exchanges or actively traded in the over-the-counter
                     market.
 
                                                                               8
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio may purchase investment company securities,
                     which will result in the layering of expenses. There are
                     legal limits on the amount of such securities that may be
                     acquired by a Portfolio.
 
MONEY MARKET
SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio may hold cash reserves and invest in money
                     market instruments (including securities issued or
                     guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
                     instrumentalities, repurchase agreements, certificates of
                     deposit and bankers' acceptances issued by banks or savings
                     and loan associations having net assets of at least $500
                     million as of the end of their most recent fiscal year,
                     high-grade commercial paper and other short-term debt
                     securities) rated at the time of purchase in the top two
                     categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating
                     organization ("NRSRO"), or, if not rated, determined by the
                     advisers to be of comparable quality at the time of
                     purchase.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES
                     Each Portfolio may purchase or write options, futures and
                     options on futures. Risks associated with investing in
                     options and futures may include lack of a liquid secondary
                     market, trading restrictions which may be imposed by an
                     exchange and government regulations which may restrict
                     trading.
SECURITIES LENDING
                     Each Portfolio may lend assets to qualified investors in
                     order to realize additional income.
 
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE
INVESTMENTS
                     In order to meet liquidity needs, or for temporary
                     defensive purposes, each Portfolio may invest up to 100% of
                     its assets in cash and money market securities. To the
                     extent a Portfolio is engaged in temporary defensive
                     investing, the Portfolio will not be pursuing its
                     investment objective.
U.S. DOLLAR DENOMINATED SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
                     Each Portfolio, except the Mid-Cap Portfolio, may invest in
                     U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers,
                     including American Depositary Receipts, that are traded on
                     registered exchanges or listed on NASDAQ.
U.S. TREASURY RECEIPTS
                     The Large Cap Value, Capital Appreciation and Equity Income
                     Portfolios may invest in receipts involving U.S. Treasury
                     obligations.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES
                     Each Portfolio may invest in when-issued and delayed
                     delivery securities.
 
                           For additional information regarding the Portfolios'
                     permitted investments, see "Risk Factors" and "Description
                     of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" in this
                     Prospectus and "Description of Permitted Investments" in
                     the Statement of Additional Information. For a description
                     of the above ratings, see "Description of Ratings" in the
                     Statement of Additional Information.
RISK FACTORS
          ______________________________________________________________________
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Investments in equity securities in general are subject to
                     market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over
                     time. The value of convertible equity securities is also
                     affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality
                     of the issuer and any call provisions.
 
                                                                               9
<PAGE>
                     Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a
                     Portfolio invests will cause the net asset value of the
                     Portfolio to fluctuate.
 
                           Investments in small or middle capitalization
                     companies involve greater risk than is customarily
                     associated with larger, more established companies due to
                     the greater business risks of small size, limited markets
                     and financial resources, narrow product lines and the
                     frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of
                     small or medium-sized companies are often traded
                     over-the-counter, and may not be traded in volumes typical
                     of securities traded on a national securities exchange.
                     Consequently, the securities of smaller companies may have
                     limited market stability and may be subject to more abrupt
                     or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more
                     established companies or the market averages in general.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
                     The market value of a Portfolio's 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. Securities
                     with longer maturities are subject to greater fluctuations
                     in value than securities with shorter maturities. Changes
                     by an NRSRO in the rating of any fixed income security and
                     in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest
                     and principal also affect the value of these investments.
                     Changes in the value of a Portfolio's securities will not
                     affect cash income derived from these securities but will
                     affect the Portfolio's net asset value.
 
                           Debt securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's
                     lack outstanding investment characteristics, and have
                     speculative characteristics as well.
 
                           Securities held by a Portfolio that are guaranteed by
                     the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities
                     guarantee only the payment of principal and interest on the
                     guaranteed securities, and do not guarantee the securities'
                     yield or value or the yield or value of a Portfolio's
                     shares.
 
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
        ________________________________________________________________________
 
                     The investment objective and certain of the investment
                     limitations are fundamental policies of the Portfolios.
                     Fundamental policies cannot be changed with respect to the
                     Trust or a Portfolio without the consent of the holders of
                     a majority of the Trust's or that Portfolio's outstanding
                     shares.
 
                     NO PORTFOLIO MAY:
 
                     1. With respect to 75% of its assets, (i) purchase the
                       securities of any issuer (except securities issued or
                       guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies
                       or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of
                       its total assets would be invested in the securities of
                       such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the
                       outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
 
                                                                              10
<PAGE>
                     2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                       of the total assets of the Portfolio to be invested in
                       the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                       principal business activities in the same industry,
                       provided that this limitation does not apply to
                       investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                       United States Government, its agencies or
                       instrumentalities.
 
                     The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the time
                     of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental and
                     non-fundamental investment limitations are set forth in the
                     Trust's Statement of Additional Information.
THE MANAGER
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     SEI Fund Management ("SEI Management") provides the Trust
                     with overall management services, regulatory reporting, all
                     necessary office space, equipment, personnel and
                     facilities, and acts as dividend disbursing agent and
                     shareholder servicing agent. In addition, SEI Management
                     also serves as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") to the
                     Class A shares of the Trust.
 
                           For its management services, SEI Management is
                     entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid
                     monthly, at an annual rate of .35% of the average daily net
                     assets of each Portfolio. SEI Management may waive all or a
                     portion of its fee in order to limit the operating expenses
                     of a Portfolio. Any such waivers are voluntary and may be
                     terminated at any time in SEI Management's sole discretion.
 
                           For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the
                     Portfolios paid SEI Management the following management
                     fees (based on each Portfolio's average daily net assets
                     after fee waivers): Large Cap Value Portfolio, .35%; Large
                     Cap Growth, .35%; Small Cap Value, .34%; Small Cap Growth
                     Portfolio, .34%; Capital Appreciation Portfolio, .34%;
                     Equity Income Portfolio, .33%; Balanced Portfolio, .27%;
                     and Mid-Cap Portfolio, .24%.
THE ADVISER
         _______________________________________________________________________
SEI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
                     SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM") serves as
                     investment adviser to each Portfolio. SFM is a wholly-owned
                     subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI"), a financial
                     services company located in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The
                     principal business address of SFM is Oaks, Pennsylvania
                     19456. SEI was founded in 1968 and is a leading provider of
                     investment solutions to banks, institutional investors,
                     investment advisers, and insurance companies. Affiliates of
                     SFM have provided consulting advice to institutional
                     investors for more than 20 years, including advice
                     regarding selection and evaluation of investment advisers.
                     SFM currently serves as manager or administrator to more
                     than 40 investment companies, including more than 290
                     portfolios, which investment companies have more than $69
                     billion in assets as of September 30, 1996.
 
                           SFM acts as the investment adviser to the Portfolios
                     and operates as a "manager of managers." As Adviser, SFM
                     oversees the investment advisory services provided to the
                     Portfolios and manages the cash portion of the Portfolios'
                     assets. Pursuant to separate
 
                                                                              11
<PAGE>
                     sub-advisory agreements with SFM, and under the supervision
                     of SFM and the Board of Trustees, the sub-advisers are
                     responsible for the day-to-day investment management of all
                     or a discrete portion of the assets of the Portfolios. The
                     sub-advisers are selected based primarily upon the research
                     and recommendations of SFM, which evaluates quantitatively
                     and qualitatively each sub-adviser's skills and investment
                     results in managing assets for specific asset classes,
                     investment styles and strategies. Subject to Board review,
                     SFM allocates and, when appropriate, reallocates the
                     Portfolios' assets among sub-advisers, monitors and
                     evaluates sub-adviser performance, and oversees sub-adviser
                     compliance with the Portfolios' investment objectives,
                     policies and restrictions. SFM has the ultimate
                     responsibility for the investment performance of the
                     Portfolios due to its responsibility to oversee
                     sub-advisers and recommend their hiring, termination and
                     replacement.
 
                           For these advisory services, SFM is entitled to a
                     fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                     annual rate of .35% of the Large Cap Value Portfolio's
                     average daily net assets, at an annual rate of .40% of the
                     Large Cap Growth, Mid-Cap, Capital Appreciation, Equity
                     Income and Balanced Portfolios' average daily net assets
                     and at an annual rate of .65% of Small Cap Value and Small
                     Cap Growth Portfolios' average daily net assets. SFM pays
                     the sub-advisers out of its investment advisory fees.
 
                           For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, SFM
                     received an advisory fee of .35% of the Large Cap Value and
                     Large Cap Growth Portfolios' average daily net assets, .40%
                     of the Mid-Cap, .39% of the Capital Appreciation, Equity
                     Income and Balanced Portfolios' average daily net assets
                     and .65% of the Small Cap Value and Small Cap Growth
                     Portfolios' average daily net assets.
 
                           SFM has obtained an exemptive order from the
                     Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") that permits
                     SFM, with the approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees, to
                     retain sub-advisers unaffiliated with SFM for the
                     Portfolios without submitting the sub-advisory agreements
                     to a vote of the Portfolios' shareholders. The exemptive
                     relief permits the disclosure of only the aggregate amount
                     payable by SFM under all such sub-advisory agreements. The
                     Portfolios will notify shareholders in the event of any
                     addition or change in the identity of its sub-advisers.
THE SUB-ADVISERS
               _________________________________________________________________
1838 INVESTMENT ADVISORS, L.P.
                     1838 Investment Advisors, L.P. ("1838") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Small Cap
                     Value Portfolio. 1838 is a Delaware limited partnership
                     located at 100 Matsonford Road, Radnor, Pennsylvania. As of
                     September 30, 1996, 1838 managed $4.5 billion in assets in
                     large and small capitalization equity, fixed income and
                     balanced account portfolios. Clients include corporate
                     employee benefit plans, municipalities, endowments,
                     foundations, jointly trusteed plans, insurance companies
                     and wealthy individuals.
 
                                                                              12
<PAGE>
                           Edwin B. Powell has served as the portfolio manager
                     to the Small Cap Value Portfolio since its inception, and
                     since 1995, Cynthia R. Axelrod has also served as a
                     portfolio manager to the Portfolio. These individuals work
                     as a team and share responsibility. Mr. Powell joined 1838
                     in 1994. Mr. Powell managed small cap equity portfolios for
                     Provident Capital Management from 1987 to 1994. Prior to
                     joining 1838, Ms. Axelrod was with Friess Associates from
                     1992 to 1995. Prior to 1992, Ms. Axelrod was with Provident
                     Capital Management from 1987 to 1992.
 
                           SFM pays 1838 a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Small Cap Value Portfolio managed by 1838.
 
ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.P.
                     Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Large Cap
                     Growth Portfolio. Alliance is a registered investment
                     adviser organized as a Delaware limited partnership which
                     originated as Alliance Capital Management Corporation in
                     1971. Alliance Capital Management Corporation, an indirect
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance
                     Society of the United States, is the general partner of
                     Alliance. As of September 30, 1996, Alliance managed over
                     $174 billion in assets. The principal business address of
                     Alliance is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
                     10105.
 
                           The Portfolio has been managed by a committee since
                     its inception.
 
                           SFM pays Alliance a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Large Cap Growth Portfolio managed by Alliance.
 
BOSTON PARTNERS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
                     Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. ("BPAM") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Small Cap
                     Value Portfolio. BPAM, a Delaware limited partnership, is a
                     registered investment adviser with its principal offices
                     located at One Financial Center, 43rd Floor, Boston,
                     Massachusetts 02111. BPAM was founded in April, 1995, and
                     as of September 30, 1996, it had approximately $6.8 billion
                     in assets under management. BPAM's clients include
                     corporations, endowments, foundations, pension and profit
                     sharing plans, and investment companies. BPAM's general
                     partner is Boston Partners, Inc.
 
                           The portion of the Small Cap Value Portfolio's assets
                     allocated to BPAM is managed by Wayne J. Archambo, CFA. Mr.
                     Archambo has been employed by BPAM since its organization,
                     and has more than 10 years experience investing in
                     equities. Prior to joining BPAM, Mr. Archambo was employed
                     at The Boston Company Asset Management, Inc. ("TBCAM") from
                     1989 through April 1995. Mr. Archambo created TBCAM's small
                     cap value product in 1992. The following year he was named
                     as a member of TBCAM's Equity Strategy Committee, and in
                     1994, he created their mid-cap value product. Prior to
                     joining TBCAM in 1989, Mr. Archambo spent six years as a
                     fund manager/analyst for Boston-based Systematic Investors.
 
                           SFM pays BPAM a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Small Cap Value Portfolio managed by BPAM.
 
                                                                              13
<PAGE>
FIRST OF AMERICA
INVESTMENT CORPORATION
                     First of America Investment Corporation ("First of
                     America") serves as Sub-Adviser to a portion of the Small
                     Cap Growth Portfolio. First of America is a Michigan
                     Corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First
                     America Bank -- Michigan, N.A., a national banking
                     association, which is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of
                     First America Bank Corporation, a registered bank holding
                     company. First of America is registered as an investment
                     adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. First of
                     America, together with its predecessor, has been engaged in
                     the investment advisory business since 1932. First of
                     America's principal business address is 303 North Rose
                     Street, Suite 500, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. As of
                     September 30, 1996, First of America had approximately
                     $14.3 billion in assets under management. First of
                     America's clients include mutual funds, trust funds, and
                     individually managed institutional and individual accounts.
 
                           Mr. Roger Stamper, CFA, has primary responsibility
                     for First of America's portion of the Small Cap Growth
                     Portfolio. Mr. Stamper is a Managing Director of First of
                     America and has been with First of America since 1988.
 
                           SFM pays First of America a fee based on a percentage
                     of the average monthly market value of the portion of the
                     assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio managed by First
                     of America.
 
FURMAN SELZ CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC
                     Furman Selz Capital Management LLC ("Furman Selz") serves
                     as Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Small Cap
                     Growth Portfolio. Furman Selz, a Delaware limited liability
                     company whose predecessor was formed in 1977, is a
                     registered investment adviser that managed approximately $7
                     billion in assets as of August 31, 1996. Furman Selz is a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of Furman Selz Holdings LLC. Furman
                     Selz's principal business address is 230 Park Avenue, New
                     York, NY 10169, Matthew S. Price and David C. Campbell,
                     Managing Directors/Portfolio Managers of Furman Selz, are
                     primarily responsible for the day-to-day management and
                     investment decisions made with respect to the assets of the
                     Portfolio. Prior to joining Furman Selz, Mr. Price and Mr.
                     Campbell were Senior Portfolio Managers at Value Line Asset
                     Management.
 
                           SFM pays Furman Selz a fee based on a percentage of
                     the average monthly market value of the portion of the
                     assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio managed by Furman
                     Selz.
 
IDS ADVISORY GROUP INC.
                     IDS Advisory Group Inc. ("IDS") serves as Sub-Adviser to a
                     portion of the assets of the Large Cap Growth Portfolio.
                     IDS is a registered investment adviser and wholly-owned
                     subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation. As of
                     August 30, 1996, IDS managed over $28 billion in assets,
                     with $7.1 billion of this total in large capitalization
                     growth domestic equities. IDS was founded in 1972 to manage
                     tax-exempt assets for institutional clients. The principal
                     business address of IDS is IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis,
                     Minnesota 55440.
 
                           The day-to-day management of IDS' portion of the
                     Large Cap Growth Portfolio's investments is the
                     responsibility of a committee composed of the six
                     investment portfolio
 
                                                                              14
<PAGE>
                     managers of the equity investment team. No individual
                     person is primarily responsible for making recommendations
                     to that committee. IDS has served as sub-adviser to the
                     Large Cap Growth Portfolio since its inception.
 
                           SFM pays IDS a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Large Cap Growth Portfolio managed by IDS.
 
LSV ASSET MANAGEMENT
                     LSV Asset Management ("LSV") serves as Sub-Adviser to a
                     portion of the assets of the Large Cap Value Portfolio. LSV
                     is a registered investment adviser organized as a Delaware
                     general partnership in which an affiliate of SFM owns a
                     majority interest. The general partners of LSV have
                     developed quantitative value analysis methodology and
                     software which has been used to manage assets over the past
                     6 years. The portfolio identified by the model has been
                     implemented by a number of institutional clients with
                     aggregate assets invested of approximately $295 million.
                     The principal business address of LSV is 181 W. Madison
                     Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60602.
 
                           Josef Lakonishok, Andrei Shleifer and Robert Vishny,
                     officers of LSV, monitor the quantitative analysis model on
                     a continuous basis, and make adjustments to the model based
                     on their ongoing research and statistical analysis.
                     Securities are identified for purchase or sale for the
                     Portfolio based upon the computer model and defined
                     variance tolerances. Purchases and sales are effected by
                     LSV based upon the output from the model.
 
                           SFM pays LSV a fee, which is calculated and paid
                     monthly, based on an annual rate of .20% of the average
                     monthly market value of the assets of the Large Cap Value
                     Portfolio managed by LSV. For the fiscal year ended
                     September 30, 1996, LSV received a sub-advisory fee of .20%
                     from SFM.
 
MARTINGALE ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
                     Martingale Asset Management, L.P. ("Martingale") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to the Mid-Cap Portfolio. Martingale is a
                     Delaware limited partnership with its principal address at
                     222 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Commerz
                     Asset Management USA Corporation ("CAM") is the general
                     partner with a controlling interest in Martingale. CAM is
                     an affiliate of Commerz International Capital Management
                     GmbH ("CICM"), headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. CICM is
                     the asset management subsidiary of Commerzbank AG.
                     Martingale was established in 1987, and as of September 30,
                     1996, had assets of approximately $470 million under
                     management.
 
                           The assets of the Portfolio have been managed by
                     William Jacques since    , 1996. Mr. Jacques, Executive
                     Vice President and portfolio manager, has been with
                     Martingale since 1987.
 
                           SFM pays Martingale a fee based on a percentage of
                     the average monthly market value of the assets of the
                     Mid-Cap Portfolio managed by Martingale.
 
MELLON EQUITY ASSOCIATES
                     Mellon Equity Associates ("Mellon Equity") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Large Cap
                     Value Portfolio. Mellon Equity is a Pennsylvania business
                     trust
 
                                                                              15
<PAGE>
                     founded in 1987, whose beneficial owners are Mellon Bank,
                     N.A. and MMIP, Inc. MMIP, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary
                     of Mellon Bank, N.A., which itself is a wholly-owned
                     subsidiary of the Mellon Bank Corporation. Mellon Equity is
                     a professional investment counseling firm that provides
                     investment management services to the equity and balanced
                     pension, public fund and profit-sharing investment
                     management markets, and is an investment adviser registered
                     under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Mellon Equity
                     had discretionary management authority with respect to
                     approximately $9.9 billion of assets as of June 30, 1996.
                     Mellon Equity's predecessor organization had managed
                     domestic equity tax-exempt institutional accounts since
                     1947. The business address for Mellon Equity is 500 Grant
                     Street, Suite 3700, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
 
                           William P. Rydell and Robert A. Wilk have been the
                     Portfolio Managers for Mellon Equity's portion of the
                     assets of the Large Cap Value Portfolio since 1994. Mr.
                     Rydell is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
                     Mellon Equity, and has been managing individual and
                     collectivized portfolios at Mellon Equity since 1982. Mr.
                     Wilk is a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
                     Mellon Equity, and has been involved with securities
                     analysis, quantitative research, asset allocation, trading
                     and client services at Mellon since April, 1990.
 
                           SFM pays Mellon Equity a fee based on a percentage of
                     the average monthly market value of the portion of the
                     assets of the Large Cap Value Portfolio managed by Mellon
                     Equity.
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
                     Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, Inc.
                     ("Nicholas-Applegate") serves as Sub-Adviser to a portion
                     of the assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio.
                     Nicholas-Applegate has operated as an investment adviser
                     which provides investment services to numerous clients,
                     including employee benefit plans, public retirement systems
                     and unions, university endowments, foundations, investment
                     companies, other institutional investors and individuals.
                     As of September 30, 1996, Nicholas-Applegate had
                     discretionary management authority with respect to
                     approximately $30.6 billion of assets. The principal
                     business address of Nicholas-Applegate is 600 West
                     Broadway, 29th Floor, San Diego, California 92101.
                     Nicholas-Applegate, pursuant to a partnership agreement, is
                     controlled by its general partner Nicholas-Applegate
                     Capital Management Holdings, L.P., a California Limited
                     Partnership controlled by Arthur E. Nicholas.
 
                           Nicholas-Applegate manages its portion of the Small
                     Cap Growth Portfolio's assets through its systematic-driven
                     management team under the general supervision of Mr.
                     Nicholas, founder and Chief Investment Officer of the firm.
                     Nicholas-Applegate's systems driven investment team, headed
                     by Lawrence S. Speidell, has been primarily responsible for
                     the day-to-day management of the Portfolio since March,
                     1994. Mr. Speidell has been a Portfolio Manager and
                     investment team leader with Nicholas-Applegate since March,
                     1994. Prior to joining Nicholas-Applegate, he was an
                     institutional portfolio manager with Batterymarch Financial
                     Management.
 
                                                                              16
<PAGE>
                           SFM pays Nicholas-Applegate a fee based on a
                     percentage of the average monthly market value of the
                     portion of the assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio
                     managed by Nicholas-Applegate.
 
PACIFIC ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
                     Pacific Alliance Capital Management ("Pacific") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to the Equity Income Portfolio, and also serves
                     as Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Large Cap
                     Value Portfolio. Pacific is a division of Union Bank of
                     California, N.A., and provides equity and fixed-income
                     management services for corporate pension plans,
                     endowments, foundations, Taft-Hartley Plans, public
                     agencies and individuals. Union Bank of California, N.A.,
                     is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of
                     Tokyo-Mitsubishi Limited. As of September 30, 1996, Pacific
                     had discretionary management authority with respect to
                     approximately $13 billion of assets. The principal business
                     address of Pacific is 475 Sansome Street, San Francisco,
                     California 94111.
 
                           The Equity Income Portfolio has been managed by a
                     committee since its inception. The Large Cap Value
                     Portfolio has been managed by a committee since December,
                     1994.
 
                           SFM pays Pacific a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the assets of the Equity
                     Income Portfolio, and a percentage of the average monthly
                     market value of the portion of the assets of the Large Cap
                     Value Portfolio managed by Pacific.
 
PROVIDENT INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
                     Provident Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Provident") serves as
                     Sub-Adviser to a portion of the assets of the Large Cap
                     Growth Portfolio. Provident is a registered investment
                     adviser with its principal business address at 300 North
                     Lake Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101. Provident, which,
                     through its predecessors, has been in business since 1951,
                     is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Asset Management
                     ("UAM"), a publicly traded investment adviser holding
                     company. UAM is headquartered at One International Place,
                     Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Provident provides investment
                     advice to corporations, public entities, foundations, and
                     labor unions, as well as to other investment companies. As
                     of November 30, 1996, Provident had over $21.9 billion in
                     client assets under management.
 
                           While Provident utilizes a team approach to portfolio
                     management, its Managing Director, Jeffrey J. Miller, is
                     responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of
                     the Portfolio's assets assigned to Provident. Mr. Miller
                     has been employed by Provident since 1972, and has 24 years
                     of investment experience.
 
                           SFM pays Provident a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Large Cap Growth Portfolio managed by Provident.
 
STI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, N.A.
                     STI Capital Management, N.A. ("STI") serves as Sub-Adviser
                     to the Capital Appreciation and Balanced Portfolios. STI
                     was established in 1934, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary
                     of Sun Trust Banks, Inc., a Fortune 500 company. As of
                     September 30, 1996, STI had discretionary management
                     authority over more than $11 billion in assets. The
                     principal
 
                                                                              17
<PAGE>
                     business address is: STI Capital Management, P.O. Box 3786,
                     Orlando, Florida 32802-3786.
 
                           Anthony R. Gray is Chairman and Chief Investment
                     Officer for STI. Mr. Gray is responsible for corporate and
                     investment policy at STI and management of the Trust's
                     growth equity products, including the Capital Appreciation
                     and Balanced Portfolios. Prior to establishing STI as a
                     separate entity within the SunTrust organization in 1989,
                     Mr. Gray served as the Director of Equity Investments for
                     the bank's trust assets. Mr. Gray joined the SunTrust
                     organization in 1979, and has been in the investment
                     management business for 23 years.
 
                           SFM pays STI a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Capital Appreciation and Balanced Portfolios managed
                     by STI.
 
WALL STREET ASSOCIATES
                     Wall Street Associates ("WSA") serves as Sub-Adviser to a
                     portion of the assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio.
                     WSA is organized as a corporation with its principal
                     business address at 1200 Prospect Street, Suite 100, La
                     Jolla, California 92037. WSA was founded in 1987, and as of
                     September 30, 1996, had approximately $1 billion in assets
                     under management. WSA provides investment advisory services
                     for institutional clients, an investment partnership for
                     which it serves as general partner, a group trust for which
                     it serves as sole investment manager, and an offshore fund
                     for foreign investors for which it serves as the sole
                     investment manager.
 
                           William Jeffery III, Kenneth F. McCain, and Richard
                     S. Coons, each of whom own 1/3 of WSA, serve as Portfolio
                     Managers for the portion of the Portfolio's assets
                     allocated to WSA since August, 1995. Each is a principal of
                     WSA and, together, they have 78 years of investment
                     management experience.
 
                           SFM pays WSA a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio managed by WSA.
 
DISTRIBUTION AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
      __________________________________________________________________________
 
                     SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI serves as each Portfolio's
                     distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement with the
                     Trust. The Small Cap Growth Portfolio has adopted a
                     distribution plan for its Class D shares (the "Class D
                     Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
                     Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
 
                                                                              18
<PAGE>
                           Each Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing
                     plan for its Class A shares (the "Service Plan") under
                     which a shareholder servicing fee of up to .25% of average
                     daily net assets attributable to Class A shares will be
                     paid to the Distributor. Under the Service Plan, the
                     Distributor may perform, or may compensate other service
                     providers for performing, the following shareholder and
                     administrative 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.
 
                           It is possible that an institution may offer
                     different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                     receive different compensation with respect to different
                     classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                     separate fees to their customers.
 
                           The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                     transactions through the Distributor, for which the
                     Distributor may receive compensation.
 
                           The Distributor may, from time to time and at its own
                     expense, provide promotional incentives, in the form of
                     cash or other compensation, to certain financial
                     institutions whose representatives have sold or are
                     expected to sell significant amounts of the Portfolios'
                     shares.
 
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
    ____________________________________________________________________________
 
                     Financial institutions may acquire Class A shares of the
                     Portfolios for their own accounts or as record owner on
                     behalf of fiduciary, agency or custody accounts by placing
                     orders with SEI Management. Institutions that use certain
                     SEI proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                     through those systems. State securities laws may require
                     banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                     their customers to register as broker-dealers pursuant to
                     state laws. Financial institutions may impose an earlier
                     cut-off time for receipt of purchase orders directed
                     through them to allow for processing and transmittal of
                     these orders to SEI Management for effectiveness the same
                     day. Financial institutions that purchase shares for the
                     accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                     these customers for account services. Shares of the
                     Portfolios are offered only to residents of states in which
                     the shares are eligible for purchase.
 
                           Shares of each Portfolio may be purchased or redeemed
                     on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
                     business ("Business Days"). The minimum initial investment
                     in a Portfolio is $100,000; however, the minimum investment
                     may be waived at the Distributor's discretion. All
                     subsequent purchases must be at least $1,000.
 
                                                                              19
<PAGE>
                           Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                     must place their orders with SEI Management (or its
                     authorized agent) prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on any
                     Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                     Day. Generally, cash investments must be transmitted or
                     delivered in federal funds to the wire agent on the next
                     Business Day following the day the order is placed. The
                     Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                     the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                     interest of the Trust or its shareholders to accept such
                     purchase order. In addition, because excessive trading
                     (including short-term "market timing" trading) can hurt a
                     Portfolio's performance, each Portfolio may refuse purchase
                     orders from any shareholder account if the accountholder
                     has been advised that previous purchase and redemption
                     transactions were considered excessive in number or amount.
                     Accounts under common control or ownership, including those
                     with the same taxpayer identification number and those
                     administered so as to redeem or purchase shares based upon
                     certain predetermined market indicators, will be considered
                     one account for this purpose.
 
                           Purchases will be made in full and fractional shares
                     of the Portfolios calculated to three decimal places. The
                     Trust will send shareholders a statement of shares owned
                     after each transaction. The purchase price of shares is the
                     net asset value next determined after a purchase order is
                     received and accepted by the Trust. The net asset value per
                     share of each Portfolio is determined by dividing the total
                     market value of a Portfolio's investments and other assets,
                     less any liabilities, by the total number of outstanding
                     shares of that Portfolio. Net asset value per share is
                     determined daily at the close of business of the New York
                     Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
                     Business Day. Although the methodology and procedures for
                     determining net asset value per share are identical for
                     both classes of the Portfolios, the net asset value per
                     share of one class may differ from that of another class
                     because of the different distribution and shareholder
                     servicing fees charged to each class and the incremental
                     transfer agent fees charged to Class D shares.
 
                           The market value of each portfolio security is
                     obtained by SEI Management from an independent pricing
                     service. Securities having maturities of 60 days or less at
                     the time of purchase will be valued using the amortized
                     cost method (described in the Statement of Additional
                     Information). The pricing service relies primarily on
                     prices of actual market transactions as well as trader
                     quotations. However, the pricing service may use a matrix
                     system to determine valuations of equity and fixed income
                     securities. This system considers such factors as security
                     prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and
                     developments relating to specific securities in arriving at
                     valuations. The procedures used by the pricing service and
                     its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust
                     under the general supervision of the Trustees.
 
                           Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                     Portfolios must place their redemption orders with SEI
                     Management (or its authorized agent) prior to 4:00 p.m.
                     Eastern time on any Business Day. The redemption price is
                     the net asset value per share of
 
                                                                              20
<PAGE>
                     the Portfolio next determined after receipt by SEI
                     Management of the redemption order. Payment on redemption
                     will be made as promptly as possible and, in any event,
                     within seven days after the redemption order is received.
 
                           Shares of a Portfolio may be purchased in exchange
                     for securities included in the Portfolio subject to SEI
                     Management's determination that the securities are
                     acceptable. Securities accepted in an exchange will be
                     valued at the market value. All accrued interest and
                     subscription of other rights which are reflected in the
                     market price of accepted securities at the time of
                     valuation become the property of the Trust and must be
                     delivered by the Shareholder to the Trust upon receipt from
                     the issuer.
 
                           SEI Management will not accept securities for a
                     Portfolio unless (1) such securities are appropriate in the
                     Portfolio at the time of the exchange; (2) such securities
                     are acquired for investment and not for resale; (3) the
                     Shareholder represents and agrees that all securities
                     offered to the Trust for the Portfolio are not subject to
                     any restrictions upon their sale by the Portfolio under the
                     Securities Act of 1933, or otherwise; (4) such securities
                     are traded on the American Stock Exchange, the New York
                     Stock Exchange or on NASDAQ in an unrelated transaction
                     with a quoted sales price on the same day the exchange
                     valuation is made or, if not listed on such exchanges or on
                     NASDAQ, have prices available from an independent pricing
                     service approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees; and (5)
                     the securities may be acquired under the investment
                     restrictions applicable to the Portfolio.
 
                           Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                     telephone. Neither the Trust nor SEI Management will be
                     responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense for
                     acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                     instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine. The
                     Trust and SEI Management will each employ reasonable
                     procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
                     telephone are genuine, including requiring a form of
                     personal identification prior to acting upon instructions
                     received by telephone and recording telephone instructions.
 
                           If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                     other extraordinary circumstances exist, and shareholders
                     experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                     telephone, shareholders may wish to consider placing their
                     order by other means.
PERFORMANCE
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     From time to time, a Portfolio may advertise yield and
                     total return. These figures will be based on historical
                     earnings, and are not intended to indicate future
                     performance. The yield of a Portfolio refers to the
                     annualized income generated by an investment in the
                     Portfolio over a specified 30-day period. The yield is
                     calculated by assuming that the same amount of income
                     generated by the investment during that period is generated
                     in each 30-day period over one year and is shown as a
                     percentage of the investment.
 
                           The total return of a Portfolio refers to the average
                     compounded rate of return to a hypothetical investment
                     redeemed at the end of the specified period covered by the
                     total
 
                                                                              21
<PAGE>
                     return figure, for designated time periods (including but
                     not limited to, the period from which the Portfolio
                     commenced operations through the specified date), assuming
                     that the entire investment is redeemed at the end of each
                     period and assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and
                     capital gain distributions. The total return of a Portfolio
                     may also be quoted as a dollar amount or on an aggregate
                     basis, an actual basis, without inclusion of any front-end
                     or contingent sales charges, or with a reduced sales charge
                     in advertisements distributed to investors entitled to a
                     reduced sales charge.
 
                           A Portfolio may periodically compare its performance
                     to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund
                     rating services (such as Lipper Analytical), financial and
                     business publications and periodicals; (ii) broad groups of
                     comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged indices which may
                     assume investment of dividends but generally do not reflect
                     deductions for administrative and management costs; or (iv)
                     other investment alternatives. A Portfolio may quote
                     Morningstar, Inc., a service that ranks mutual funds on the
                     basis of risk-adjusted performance, and Ibbotson Associates
                     of Chicago, Illinois, which provides historical returns of
                     the capital markets in the U.S. A Portfolio may use long
                     term performance of these capital markets to demonstrate
                     general long-term risk versus reward scenarios and could
                     include the value of a hypothetical investment in any of
                     the capital markets. A Portfolio may also quote financial
                     and business publications and periodicals as they relate to
                     fund management, investment philosophy, and investment
                     techniques.
 
                           A Portfolio may quote various measures of volatility
                     and benchmark correlation in advertising and may compare
                     these measures to those of other funds. Measures of
                     volatility attempt to compare historical share price
                     fluctuations or total returns to a benchmark while measures
                     of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a comparative
                     benchmark might be. Measures of volatility and correlation
                     are calculated using averages of historical data and cannot
                     be calculated precisely.
 
                           For the Small Cap Growth Portfolio, the performance
                     of Class A shares will normally be higher than the
                     performance of the Class D shares of that Portfolio because
                     of the additional distribution and transfer agent expenses
                     charged to Class D shares.
TAXES
  ______________________________________________________________________________
 
                     The following summary of federal income tax consequences is
                     based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                     changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action.
                     No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                     of the federal, state or local income tax treatment of a
                     Portfolio or its shareholders. In addition, state and local
                     tax consequences of an investment in a Portfolio may differ
                     from the federal income tax consequences described below.
                     Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                     advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                     and local taxes. Additional information concerning taxes is
                     set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
TAX STATUS
OF THE PORTFOLIOS
                     A Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                     income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                     other portfolios. Each Portfolio intends to continue to
                     qualify
 
                                                                              22
<PAGE>
                     for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment
                     companies ("RICs") under Subchapter M of the Internal
                     Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, so as to be relieved of
                     federal income tax on net investment company taxable income
                     (including the excess, if any, of net short-term capital
                     gains over net long-term capital losses) and net capital
                     gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net
                     short-term capital losses) distributed to shareholders.
TAX STATUS
OF DISTRIBUTIONS
                     Each Portfolio distributes substantially all of its net
                     investment company taxable income to shareholders.
                     Dividends from a Portfolio's net investment company taxable
                     income are taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income
                     (whether received in cash or in additional shares), and
                     generally will qualify for the dividends-received deduction
                     for corporate shareholders to the extent that such
                     dividends are derived from dividends received by the
                     portfolio from domestic corporations. Distributions of net
                     capital gains are also not eligible for the corporate
                     dividends-received deduction and are taxable to
                     shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how
                     long a shareholder has held shares. Each Portfolio will
                     provide annual reports to shareholders of the federal
                     income tax status of all distributions.
 
                           Dividends declared by a Portfolio in October,
                     November or December of any year and payable to
                     shareholders of record on a date in such a month will be
                     deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                     the shareholders on December 31 of the year declared if
                     paid by a Portfolio at any time during the following
                     January.
 
                           Each Portfolio intends to make sufficient
                     distributions to avoid liability for the federal excise tax
                     applicable to RICs.
 
                           Each sale, exchange or redemption of a Portfolio's
                     shares generally is a taxable transaction to the
                     shareholder.
GENERAL INFORMATION
                  ______________________________________________________________
THE TRUST
                     The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                     under a Declaration of Trust dated October 20, 1986. The
                     Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                     series ("portfolios") of shares and different classes of
                     each portfolio. All consideration received by the Trust for
                     shares of any class of any portfolio and all assets of such
                     portfolio or class belong to that portfolio or class,
                     respectively, and would be subject to the liabilities
                     related thereto.
 
                           The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                     service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                     preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials 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.
 
                           Certain shareholders in one or more of the Portfolios
                     may obtain asset allocation services from the Adviser and
                     other financial intermediaries with respect to their
                     investments in such Portfolios. If a sufficient amount of a
                     Portfolio's assets are subject to
 
                                                                              23
<PAGE>
                     such asset allocation services, a Portfolio may incur
                     higher transaction costs and a higher portfolio turnover
                     rate than would otherwise be anticipated as a result of
                     redemptions and purchases of Portfolio shares pursuant to
                     such services. Further, to the extent that the Adviser is
                     providing asset allocation services and providing
                     investment advice to the Portfolios, it may face conflicts
                     of interest in fulfilling its responsibilities because of
                     the possible differences between the interests of its asset
                     allocation clients and the interest of the Portfolios.
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
                     The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                     the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                     Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                     which, as described above, certain companies provide
                     essential management services to the Trust.
VOTING RIGHTS
                     Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                     vote. The shareholders of each Portfolio or class will vote
                     separately on matters pertaining solely to that Portfolio
                     or class, such as any distribution plan. As a Massachusetts
                     business trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual
                     meetings of shareholders, but approval will be sought for
                     certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the
                     election of Trustees under certain circumstances. In
                     addition, a Trustee may be removed by the remaining
                     Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting called
                     upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of
                     the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such
                     a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate
                     assistance and information to the shareholders requesting
                     the meeting.
REPORTING
                     The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                     semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                     The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                     shareholders of record.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
                     Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                     SEI Fund Management, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.
DIVIDENDS
                     Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                     of capital gains) of each Portfolio is periodically
                     declared and paid as a dividend. Dividends currently are
                     paid on a quarterly basis for each Portfolio. Currently,
                     net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gain
                     over net short-term capital loss) realized, if any, will be
                     distributed at least annually.
 
                           Shareholders automatically receive all income
                     dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                     shares at the net asset value next determined following the
                     record date, unless the shareholder has elected to take
                     such payment in cash. Shareholders may change their
                     election by providing written notice to SEI Management at
                     least 15 days prior to the distribution.
 
                           Dividends and capital gains of each Portfolio are
                     paid on a per-share basis. The value of each share will be
                     reduced by the amount of any such payment. If shares are
                     purchased shortly before the record date for a dividend or
                     capital gains distribution, a
 
                                                                              24
<PAGE>
                     shareholder will pay the full price for the share and
                     receive some portion of the price back as a taxable
                     dividend or distribution.
 
                           The dividends on Class D shares of the Small Cap
                     Growth Portfolio will normally be lower than those on Class
                     A shares because of the additional distribution and
                     transfer agent expenses charged to Class D shares.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                     Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust.
                     Price Waterhouse LLP serves as the independent accountants
                     of the Trust.
CUSTODIAN AND WIRE AGENT
                     CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O. Box
                     7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101 (the "Custodian"),
                     acts as custodian and wire agent of the Trust's assets. The
                     Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the
                     Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
 
                                                                              25
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     The following is a description of the permitted investment
                     practices for the Portfolios, and the associated risk
                     factors:
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("ADRS")
                     ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial
                     institution (a "depositary"), that evidence ownership
                     interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by a
                     foreign issuer and deposited with the depositary. ADRs may
                     be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored"
                     facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by
                     the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and a
                     depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility may be
                     established by a depositary without participation by the
                     issuer of the underlying security.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
                     Convertible securities are corporate securities that are
                     exchangeable for a set number of another security at a
                     prestated price. Convertible securities typically have
                     characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                     securities. Because of the conversion feature, the market
                     value of a convertible security tends to move with the
                     market value of the underlying stock. The value of a
                     convertible security is also affected by prevailing
                     interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer, and any
                     call provisions.
DERIVATIVES
                     Derivatives are securities that derive their value from
                     other securities assets, or indices. The following are
                     considered derivative securities: options on futures,
                     futures, options (e.g., puts and calls), swap agreements,
                     mortgage-backed securities (e.g., CMOs, REMICs, IOs and
                     POs), when-issued securities and forward commitments,
                     floating and variable rate securities, convertible
                     securities, "stripped" U.S. Treasury securities (e.g.,
                     Receipts and STRIPs), privately issued stripped securities
                     (e.g., TGRs, TRs and CATS). See elsewhere in this
                     "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" for
                     discussions of these various instruments.
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Equity securities represent ownership interests in a
                     company or corporation, and include common stock, preferred
                     stock, and warrants and other rights to acquire such
                     instruments.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
                     Fixed income securities are debt obligations issued by
                     corporations, municipalities and other borrowers. 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.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES
                     Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party
                     and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a
                     specific security at a specified future time and at a
                     specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the
                     purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a
                     position in a futures contract at a specified exercise
                     price during the term of the option. A Portfolio may use
                     futures contracts and related options for BONA FIDE
 
                                                                              26
<PAGE>
                     hedging purposes, to offset changes in the value of
                     securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed
                     of, to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies, or to
                     gain exposure to a particular market or instrument. A
                     Portfolio will minimize the risk that it will be unable to
                     close out a futures contract by only entering into futures
                     contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges.
 
                           A stock index futures contract is a bilateral
                     agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or
                     make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified
                     dollar amount times the difference between the stock index
                     value at the close of trading of the contract and the price
                     at which the futures contract is originally struck. No
                     physical delivery of the stocks comprising the index is
                     made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the
                     expiration date of the contract.
 
                           In order to avoid leveraging and related risks, when
                     a Portfolio purchases futures contracts, it will
                     collateralize its position by depositing an amount of cash
                     or liquid, high grade debt securities equal to the market
                     value of the futures positions held, less margin deposits,
                     in a segregated account with the Trust's Custodian.
                     Collateral equal to the current market value of the futures
                     position will be marked to market on a daily basis.
 
                           A Portfolio may enter into futures contracts and
                     options on futures contracts traded on an exchange
                     regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission
                     ("CFTC"), so long as, to the extent that such transactions
                     are not for "bone fide hedging purposes," the aggregate
                     initial margin and premiums on such positions (excluding
                     the amount by which such options are in the money) do not
                     exceed 5% of the Portfolio's net assets.
 
                           There are risks associated with these activities,
                     including the following: (1) the success of a hedging
                     strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in
                     the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in
                     markets and movements in interest rates, (2) there may be
                     an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in
                     market value of the securities held by the Portfolio and
                     the prices of futures and options on futures, (3) there may
                     not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or
                     option, (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be
                     imposed by an exchange, and (5) government regulations may
                     restrict trading in futures contracts and options on
                     futures.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
                     Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be disposed
                     of within seven business days at approximately the price at
                     which they are being carried on the Portfolio's books.
                     Illiquid securities include demand instruments with demand
                     notice periods exceeding seven days, securities for which
                     there is no active secondary market, and repurchase
                     agreements with durations (or maturities) over seven days
                     in length.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES
                     Money market securities are high-quality,
                     dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                     consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                     deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                     banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks; (ii) U.S.
                     Treasury obligations and obligations issued by the agencies
                     and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government;
 
                                                                              27
<PAGE>
                     (iii) high-quality commercial paper issued by U.S. and
                     foreign corporations; (iv) debt obligations with a maturity
                     of one year or less issued by corporations that issue high-
                     quality commercial paper; and (v) repurchase agreements
                     involving any of the foregoing obligations entered into
                     with highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
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 fifteen- and
                     thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages, graduated payment
                     mortgages, and adjustable rate mortgages and balloon
                     mortgages. During periods of declining interest rates,
                     prepayment of mortgages underlying mortgage-backed
                     securities can be expected to accelerate. Prepayment of
                     mortgages which underlie securities purchased at a premium
                     often results in capital losses, while prepayment of
                     mortgages purchased at a discount often results in capital
                     gains. Because of these unpredictable prepayment
                     characteristics, it is often not possible to predict
                     accurately the average life or realized yield of a
                     particular issue.
 
                           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 GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. GNMA,
                     FNMA and FHLMC guarantee timely distributions of interest
                     to certificate holders. GNMA and FNMA also guarantee timely
                     distributions of scheduled principal. FHLMC generally
                     guarantees only the ultimate collection of principal of the
                     underlying mortgage loan. FNMA and FHLMC obligations are
                     not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                     Government as GNMA certificates are, but FNMA and FHLMC
                     securities are supported by the instrumentalities' right to
                     borrow from the U.S. Treasury. Government and private
                     guarantees do not extend to the securities' value, which is
                     likely to vary inversely with fluctuations in interest
                     rates.
 
                           PRIVATE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES:  These are
                     mortgage-backed securities issued by a non-governmental
                     entity, such as a trust or corporate entity. These
                     securities include collateralized mortgage obligations
                     ("CMOs") and real estate mortgage investment conduits
                     ("REMICs"). 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.
 
                           COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS ("CMOS"):  CMOs
                     are debt obligations or multiclass pass-through
                     certificates issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the
                     U.S. Government or by private originators or investors in
                     mortgage loans. Principal payments on the underlying
                     mortgage assets may cause CMOs to be retired substantially
                     earlier then their stated maturities or final distribution
                     dates, resulting in a loss of all or part of any premium
                     paid.
 
                           REMICS:  A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special
                     tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code and invests
                     in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in
                     real property. Investors may purchase beneficial interests
                     in REMICs, which are known as
 
                                                                              28
<PAGE>
                     "regular" interests, or "residual" interests. Guaranteed
                     REMIC pass-through certificates ("REMIC Certificates")
                     issued by FNMA or FHLMC represent beneficial ownership
                     interests in a REMIC trust consisting principally of
                     mortgage loans or FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA-guaranteed mortgage
                     pass-through certificates.
 
                           PARALLEL PAY SECURITIES; PAC BONDS:  Parallel pay
                     CMOs and REMICS are structured to provide payments of
                     principal on each payment date to more than one class.
                     These simultaneous payments are taken into account in
                     calculating the stated maturity date or final distribution
                     date of each class, which must be retired by its stated
                     maturity date or final distribution date, but may be
                     retired earlier. Planned Amortization Class CMOs ("PAC
                     Bonds") generally require payments of a specified amount of
                     principal on each payment date. PAC Bonds are always
                     parallel pay CMOs with the required principal payment on
                     such securities having the highest priority after interest
                     has been paid to all classes.
 
                           STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES ("SMBS"):  SMBs
                     are usually structured with two classes that receive
                     specified proportions of the monthly interest and principal
                     payments from a pool of mortgage securities. One class may
                     receive all of the interest payments and is thus termed an
                     interest-only class ("IO"), while the other class may
                     receive all of the principal payments and is thus termed
                     the principal-only class ("PO"). The value of IOs tends to
                     increase as rates rise and decrease as rates fall; the
                     opposite is true of POs. During times when interest rates
                     are experiencing fluctuations, such securities can be
                     difficult to price on a consistent basis. The market for
                     SMBs is not as fully developed as other markets; SMBs,
                     therefore, may be illiquid.
OPTIONS
                     A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to
                     sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy,
                     the underlying security at any time during the option
                     period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the
                     right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation
                     to sell, the underlying security at any time during the
                     option period. The premium paid to the writer is the
                     consideration for undertaking the obligations under the
                     option contract.
 
                           A Portfolio may purchase and write put and call
                     options on indices and enter into related closing
                     transactions. Put and call options on indices are similar
                     to options on securities except that options on an index
                     give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the
                     option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the
                     underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case
                     of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of
                     cash is equal to the difference between the closing price
                     of the index and the exercise price of the option,
                     expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number.
                     Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all
                     settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price
                     movements in the particular market represented by the index
                     generally, rather than the price movements in individual
                     securities.
 
                           All options written on indices must be covered. When
                     a Portfolio writes an option on an index, it will establish
                     a segregated account containing cash or liquid, high grade
                     debt securities with its Custodian in an amount at least
                     equal to the market value of the
 
                                                                              29
<PAGE>
                     option and will maintain the account while the option is
                     open or will otherwise cover the transaction.
 
                           RISK FACTORS:  Risks associated with options
                     transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy
                     may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices
                     of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and
                     movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect
                     correlation between the movement in prices of options and
                     the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a
                     liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while a
                     Portfolio will receive a premium when it writes covered
                     call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the
                     market value of the underlying security.
RECEIPTS
                     Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means
                     that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed
                     at face value at their maturity date without interim cash
                     payments of interest or principal. This discount is
                     accreted over the life of the security, and such accretion
                     will constitute the income earned on the security for both
                     accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features,
                     such securities may be subject to greater interest rate
                     volatility than interest paying Permitted Investments. See
                     also "Taxes."
 
REITS
                     REITs are trusts that invest primarily in commercial real
                     estate or real estate-related loans. The value of interests
                     in REITs may be affected by the value of the property owned
                     or the quality of the mortgages held by the trust.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
                     Arrangements by which a Portfolio obtains a security and
                     simultaneously commits to return the security to the seller
                     at an agreed upon price (including principal and interest)
                     on an agreed upon date within a number of days from the
                     date of purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered
                     loans under the 1940 Act.
SECURITIES LENDING
                     In order to generate additional income, a Portfolio may
                     lend its securities pursuant to agreements that require
                     that the loan be continuously secured by collateral
                     consisting of cash or securities of the U.S. Government or
                     its agencies equal to at least 100% of the market value of
                     the loaned securities. A Portfolio continues to receive
                     interest on the loaned securities while simultaneously
                     earning interest on the investment of cash collateral.
                     Collateral is marked to market daily. There may be risks of
                     delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights
                     in the collateral should the borrower of the securities
                     fail financially or become insolvent.
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
                     There are certain risks connected with investing in foreign
                     securities. These include risks of adverse political and
                     economic developments (including possible governmental
                     seizure or nationalization of assets), the possible
                     imposition of exchange controls or other governmental
                     restrictions, less uniformity in accounting and reporting
                     requirements, the possibility that there will be less
                     information on such securities and their issuers available
                     to the public, the difficulty of obtaining or enforcing
                     court judgments abroad, restrictions on foreign investments
                     in other jurisdictions, difficulties in effecting
                     repatriation of capital
 
                                                                              30
<PAGE>
                     invested abroad, and difficulties in transaction
                     settlements and the effect of delay on shareholder equity.
                     Foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, and may
                     be less marketable than comparable U.S. securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
                     Obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S.
                     Government, including, among others, the Federal Farm
                     Credit Bank, the Federal Housing Administration and the
                     Small Business Administration, and obligations issued or
                     guaranteed by instrumentalities of the U.S. Government,
                     including, among others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                     Corporation, the Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Postal
                     Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full
                     faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government
                     National Mortgage Association securities), and others are
                     supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
                     Treasury (e.g., Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while
                     still others are supported only by the credit of the
                     instrumentality (e.g., Federal National Mortgage
                     Association securities).
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
                     U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds
                     issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                     interest and principal component parts of such obligations,
                     known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                     Principal Securities ("STRIPS"), that are transferable
                     through the Federal book-entry system.
U.S. TREASURY RECEIPTS
                     U.S. Treasury receipts are interests in separately traded
                     interest and principal component parts of U.S. Treasury
                     obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and
                     are created by depositing U.S. Treasury notes and
                     obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The
                     custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the
                     benefit of the registered owners of the certificates of
                     receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the
                     certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains
                     the register.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS
                     Certain obligations 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 floor or ceiling on
                     interest rate changes.
WARRANTS
                     Warrants are instruments giving holders the right, but not
                     the obligation, to buy equity or fixed income securities of
                     a company at a given price during a specified period.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
                     When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                     purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                     place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                     securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                     purchase commitment. A Portfolio will maintain with the
                     custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                     securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                     commitments. The interest rate realized on these securities
                     is fixed as of the purchase date, and no interest accrues
                     to a Portfolio before settlement.
 
                     Additional information on permitted investments and risk
                     factors can be found in the Statement of Additional
                     Information.
 
                                                                              31
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
               _________________________________________________________________
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
Annual Operating Expenses........................          2
Financial Highlights.............................          3
The Trust........................................          5
Investment Objectives and Policies...............          5
General Investment Policies......................          8
Risk Factors.....................................          9
Investment Limitations...........................         10
The Manager......................................         11
The Adviser......................................         11
The Sub-Advisers.................................         12
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing...........         18
Purchase and Redemption of Shares................         19
Performance......................................         21
Taxes............................................         22
General Information..............................         23
Description of Permitted Investments and Risk
 Factors.........................................         26
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
JANUARY 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
portfolio. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing, and keep it
on file for future reference. It contains information that can help you decide
if the Portfolio's investment goals match your own.
 
A Statement of Additional Information dated January 31, 1997, has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, Oaks,
Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-437-6016. The Statement of Additional
Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.
 
SEI Institutional Managed Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company, certain classes of which offer shareholders a convenient
means of investing their funds in one or more professionally managed diversified
portfolios of securities. The Small Cap Growth Portfolio, an investment
portfolio of the Trust, offers two classes of shares, Class A shares and Class D
shares. Class D shares differ from Class A shares primarily in the imposition of
sales charges and the allocation of certain distribution expenses and transfer
agent fees. Class D shares are available through SEI Financial Services Company
(the Trust's distributor) and through participating broker-dealers, financial
institutions and other organizations. This Prospectus offers the Class D shares
of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the "Portfolio").
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
 A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
 ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK. THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
 FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
 GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE
 LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>
HOW TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS ____________________________________________________
 
This Prospectus gives you information that you should know about the Portfolio
before investing. Brief descriptions are also provided throughout the Prospectus
to better explain certain key points. To find these helpful guides, look for
this symbol:
FUND HIGHLIGHTS
             ___________________________________________________________________
 
The following summary provides basic information about the Class D shares of the
Trust's Small Cap Growth Portfolio. This summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the more detailed information provided elsewhere in this Prospectus
and in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
                     Below are the investment objective and policies for the
                     Portfolio. For more information, see "Investment Objective
                     and Policies," "General Investment Policies," "Risk
                     Factors" and "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk
                     Factors." There can be no assurance that
                     the Portfolio will achieve its
                     investment objective.
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
                     The Small Cap Growth Portfolio
                     seeks to provide long-term
                     capital appreciation by
                     investing primarily in equity
                     securities of smaller companies
                     that the advisers believe are in
                     an early stage or transitional
                     point in their development and
                     have demonstrated or have the
                     potential for above average
                     capital growth.
 
UNDERSTANDING RISK
                     Shares of the Portfolio, like
                     shares of any mutual fund, will
                     fluctuate in value and when you
                     sell your shares, they may be
                     worth more or less than what you
                     paid for them. The Portfolio may
                     invest in equity securities that
                     are affected by market and
                     economic factors, and may invest
                     in fixed income securities that
                     tend to vary inversely with
                     interest rates and may be
                     affected by other market and
                     economic factors as well, which
                     may cause these securities to
                     fluctuate in value. In addition,
                     the Portfolio will invest in
                     equity securities of smaller
                     companies, which involve greater
                     risk than is customarily
                     associated with investments in
                     larger, more established
                     companies. See "Investment
                     Objective and Policies," "Risk
                     Factors" and "Description of
                     Permitted Investments and Risk
                     Factors."
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
FUND HIGHLIGHTS...................................     2
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES..................     4
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES.........................     4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS..............................     5
YOUR ACCOUNT AND DOING BUSINESS WITH US...........     6
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.................     8
GENERAL INVESTMENT POLICIES.......................     9
RISK FACTORS......................................    10
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS............................    11
THE MANAGER AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT.......    11
THE ADVISER.......................................    12
THE SUB-ADVISERS..................................    13
DISTRIBUTION......................................    15
PERFORMANCE.......................................    16
TAXES.............................................    17
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DOING BUSINESS WITH
  US..............................................    18
GENERAL INFORMATION...............................    23
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK
  FACTORS.........................................    24
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                               2
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT PROFILE
SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM") serves
as the investment adviser to the Small Cap Growth
Portfolio. Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management,
Inc., First of America Investment Corporation, Furman
Selz Capital Management LLC and Wall Street
Associates each serves as the investment sub-adviser
to a portion of the assets of the Portfolio. SEI Fund
Management serves as the manager of the Trust. The
investment adviser and investment sub-advisers to the
Portfolio are referred to collectively as the
"advisers." DST Systems, Inc. acts as transfer agent
(the "Transfer Agent") to the Class D shares of the
Trust. SEI Financial Services Company acts as
distributor of the Trust's shares. See "The Manager
and Shareholder Servicing Agent," "The Adviser," "The
Sub-Advisers" and "Distribution."
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT
PHILOSOPHY
BELIEVING THAT NO SINGLE INVESTMENT ADVISER CAN DELIVER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
IN EVERY INVESTMENT CATEGORY, ONLY THOSE ADVISERS WHO HAVE DISTINGUISHED
THEMSELVES WITHIN THEIR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION ARE SELECTED TO ADVISE OUR
MUTUAL FUNDS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
YOUR ACCOUNT AND DOING BUSINESS WITH US
You may open an account with just $1,000, and make additional investments with
as little as $100. Class D shares of the Portfolio are offered at net asset
value per share plus a maximum sales charge at the time of purchase of 5.00%.
Shareholders who purchase higher amounts may qualify for a reduced sales charge.
Redemptions of the Portfolio's shares are made at net asset value per share. See
"Your Account and Doing Business with Us" and "Additional Information About
Doing Business with Us."
 
DIVIDENDS
                     Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                     of capital gains) is distributed in the form of dividends
                     that will be paid quarterly for the Portfolio. Any realized
                     net capital gain is distributed at least annually.
                     Distributions are paid in additional shares unless the
                     shareholder elects to take the payment in cash. See
                     "Dividends."
 
INFORMATION/SERVICE CONTACTS
                     For more information about Class D shares, call
                     1-800-437-6016.
 
                                                                               3
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF OFFERING PRICE)     CLASS D
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SMALL CAP
                                                                GROWTH
                                                              PORTFOLIO
                                                              ----------
<S>                                                           <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases                       5.00%
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends             None
Redemption Fees (1)                                              None
</TABLE>
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (AFTER FEE WAIVER)                     1.00%
12b-1 Fees (AFTER FEE WAIVER) (2)                                .25%
Other Expenses                                                   .22%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses(AFTER FEE WAIVER) (3)                  1.47%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) A CHARGE, CURRENTLY $10.00, IS IMPOSED ON WIRES OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS OF
    THE PORTFOLIOS' CLASS D SHARES.
 
(2) THE DISTRIBUTOR HAS WAIVED, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, A PORTION OF ITS 12B-1
    FEE, AND THE 12B-1 FEES SHOWN REFLECT THIS WAIVER. THE DISTRIBUTOR RESERVES
    THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE ITS WAIVER AT ANY TIME IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. ABSENT
    SUCH WAIVER, 12B-1 FEES WOULD BE .30% FOR THE PORTFOLIO.
 
(3) ABSENT THESE FEE WAIVERS, TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES FOR CLASS D SHARES WOULD
    BE: SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO, 1.52%. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND
    UNDER "THE ADVISER," "THE SUB-ADVISERS" AND "THE MANAGER AND SHAREHOLDER
    SERVICING AGENT."
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       3      5     10
                                                              1 YR.  YRS.   YRS.   YRS.
                                                              -----  -----  -----  -----
<S>                                                           <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
An investor in a Portfolio would pay the following expenses
 on a $1,000 investment assuming (1) the imposition of the
 maximum sales charge; (2) a 5% annual return and (3)
 redemption at the end of each time period:
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio                                  $ 64   $ 94   $126   $217
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
THE PURPOSE OF THE EXPENSE TABLE AND EXAMPLE IS TO ASSIST THE INVESTOR IN
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS COSTS AND EXPENSES THAT MAY BE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
BORNE BY INVESTORS IN CLASS D SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO. THE INFORMATION SET FORTH
IN THE FOREGOING TABLE AND EXAMPLE RELATES ONLY TO THE CLASS D SHARES. THE
PORTFOLIO ALSO OFFERS CLASS A SHARES, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME EXPENSES,
EXCEPT THAT THERE ARE NO SALES CHARGES, DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTION COSTS AND NO
TRANSFER AGENT COSTS. A PERSON WHO PURCHASES SHARES THROUGH AN ACCOUNT WITH A
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MAY BE CHARGED SEPARATE FEES BY THAT INSTITUTION.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND UNDER "THE MANAGER AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
AGENT," "THE ADVISER," "THE SUB-ADVISERS" AND "DISTRIBUTION."
 
THE RULES OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION REQUIRE THAT THE MAXIMUM
SALES CHARGE BE REFLECTED IN THE ABOVE TABLE. HOWEVER, CERTAIN INVESTORS MAY
QUALIFY FOR REDUCED SALES CHARGES. SEE "PURCHASE OF SHARES." LONG-TERM
SHAREHOLDERS MAY PAY MORE THAN THE ECONOMIC EQUIVALENT OF THE MAXIMUM FRONT-END
SALES CHARGE OTHERWISE PERMITTED BY THE CONDUCT RULES OF THE NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS, INC.
 
                                                                               4
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                  ______________________________________________________________
 
The following information has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Trust's
independent accountants, as indicated in their report dated November 22, 1996 on
the Trust's financial statements as of September 30, 1996 incorporated by
reference into the Trust's Statement of Additional Information. The Trust's
financial statements and additional performance information are set forth in the
1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is available upon request and without
charge by calling 1-800-437-6016. This table should be read in conjunction with
the Trust's financial statements and notes thereto.
 
FOR A CLASS D SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    NET ASSET       NET       NET REALIZED AND   DIVIDENDS
                      VALUE     INVESTMENT       UNREALIZED       FROM NET    DISTRIBUTIONS   NET ASSET               NET ASSETS
                    BEGINNING     INCOME       GAINS (LOSSES)    INVESTMENT   FROM REALIZED   VALUE END    TOTAL        END OF
                    OF PERIOD     (LOSS)       ON SECURITIES       INCOME     CAPITAL GAINS   OF PERIOD   RETURN*    PERIOD (000)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>         <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>
- ------------------
SMALL CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
 
CLASS D
  1996               $  19.78     $(0.07)          $ 4.24          $   --        $(3.66)       $  20.29     26.01%*    $  1,826
  1995                  13.99      (0.09)            5.88              --            --           19.78     41.44%*         786
  1994 (1)              14.04      (0.02)           (0.03)             --            --           13.99     (3.02)%*        171
 
<CAPTION>
                                                           RATIO OF NET
                                                            INVESTMENT
                                    NET        RATIO OF       INCOME
                                 INVESTMENT    EXPENSE        (LOSS)
                     RATIO OF      INCOME     TO AVERAGE    TO AVERAGE
                     EXPENSES      (LOSS)     NET ASSETS    NET ASSETS    PORTFOLIO    AVERAGE
                    TO AVERAGE   TO AVERAGE   (EXCLUDING    (EXCLUDING    TURNOVER    COMMISSION
                    NET ASSETS   NET ASSETS    WAIVERS)      WAIVERS)       RATE        RATE+
- ------------------
<S>                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------
SMALL CAP GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
CLASS D
  1996                 1.49%        (1.02)%      1.49%        (1.02)%       167%      $    0.0529
  1995                 1.50%        (1.03)%      1.55%        (1.08)%       113%              N/A
  1994 (1)             1.49%        (0.92)%      1.52%        (0.95)%        97%              N/A
</TABLE>
 
  * SALES CHARGE IS NOT REFLECTED IN TOTAL RETURN.
 
 (1) SMALL CAP GROWTH CLASS D SHARES WERE OFFERED BEGINNING MAY 2, 1994. ALL
    RATIOS INCLUDING TOTAL RETURN FOR THAT PERIOD HAVE BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 
  + AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PAID PER SHARE FOR SECURITY PURCHASES AND SALES
    DURING THE PERIOD. PRESENTATION OF THE RATE IS REQUIRED FOR FISCAL YEARS
    BEGINNING AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1995.
 
                                                                               5
<PAGE>
YOUR ACCOUNT AND DOING BUSINESS WITH US   ______________________________________
 
Class D shares of the Portfolio are sold on a continuous basis and may be
purchased directly from the Trust's Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company.
Shares may also be purchased through financial institutions, broker-dealers, or
other organizations which have established a dealer agreement or other
arrangement with SEI Financial Services Company ("Intermediaries"). For more
information about the following topics, see "Additional Information About Doing
Business with Us."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO BUY, SELL
AND EXCHANGE
SHARES THROUGH
INTERMEDIARIES
                     Class D shares of the Portfolio may be purchased through
                     Intermediaries which provide various levels of shareholder
                     services to their customers. Contact your Intermediary for
                     information about the services
                     available to you and for
                     specific instructions on how to
                     buy, sell and exchange shares.
                     To allow for processing and
                     transmittal of orders to the
                     Distributor on the same day,
                     Intermediaries may impose
                     earlier cut-off times for
                     receipt of purchase orders.
                     Certain Intermediaries may
                     charge customer account fees.
                     Information concerning
                     shareholder services and any
                     charges will be provided to the
                     customer by the Intermediary.
                     Certain of these Intermediaries
                     may be required to register as broker/dealers under state
                     law.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS AN
INTERMEDIARY?
ANY ENTITY, SUCH AS A BANK, BROKER-DEALER, OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION,
ASSOCIATION OR ORGANIZATION WHICH HAS ENTERED INTO AN ARRANGEMENT WITH THE
DISTRIBUTOR TO SELL CLASS D SHARES TO ITS CUSTOMERS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
      The shares you purchase through an Intermediary may be held "of record" by
that Intermediary. If you want to transfer the registration of shares
beneficially owned by you, but held "of record" by an Intermediary, you should
call the Intermediary to request this change.
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES FROM THE TRANSFER AGENT
Application forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-437-6016. Class D shares of
the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states in which the shares are
eligible for purchase.
OPENING AN ACCOUNT BY CHECK
                     You may buy Class D shares by mailing a completed
                     application and a check (or other negotiable bank
                     instrument or money order) payable to "Class D shares
                     (Small Cap Growth Portfolio)." If you send a check that
                     does not clear, the purchase will be canceled and you could
                     be liable for any losses or fees incurred. Third-Party
                     checks, credit cards, credit card checks and cash will not
                     be accepted. When purchases are made by check, redemptions
                     will not be allowed until the investment being redeemed has
                     been in the account for 15 business days.
                     To buy shares by Fed Wire, call toll-free 1-800-437-6016.
BY FED WIRE
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN ("AIP")
                     You may systematically buy Class D shares through
                     deductions from your checking or savings accounts, provided
                     these accounts are maintained through banks which are part
                     of the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system. You may
                     purchase shares on a fixed schedule (semi-monthly or
                     monthly) with amounts as low as $25, or as high as
                     $100,000.
                                                                               6
<PAGE>
                     Upon notice, the amount you commit to the AIP may be
                     changed or canceled at any time. The AIP is subject to
                     account minimum initial purchase amounts and minimum
                     maintained balance requirements discussed under "Additional
                     Information About Doing Business With Us."
 
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING SHARES SALES CHARGES
                     Your purchase is subject to a sales charge which varies
                     depending on the size of your purchase. The following table
                     shows the regular sales charges on Class D shares of the
                     Portfolio to a "single purchaser," together with the
                     reallowance paid to dealers and the agency commission paid
                     to brokers (collectively the "commission"):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>                          <C>               <C>                    <C>
                                                  SALES CHARGE AS        REALLOWANCE AND
                             SALES CHARGE AS        APPROPRIATE        BROKERAGE COMMISSION
                             A PERCENTAGE OF     PERCENTAGE OF NET       AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE            OFFERING PRICE      AMOUNT INVESTED         OFFERING PRICE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
< $50,000                            5.00%               5.26%                   4.50%
$50,000 but < $100,000               4.50%               4.71%                   4.00%
$100,000 but < $250,000              3.50%               3.63%                   3.00%
$250,000 but < $500,000              2.50%               2.56%                   2.00%
$500,000 but < $1,000,000            2.00%               2.04%                   1.75%
$1,000,000 but < $2,000,000          1.00%               1.01%                   1.00%
$2,000,000 but < $4,000,000           .50%                .50%                    .50%
Over $4,000,000                    none                none                    none
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                           The commissions shown in the table above apply to
                     sales through Intermediaries. Under certain circumstances,
                     commissions up to the amount of the entire sales charge may
                     be re-allowed to certain Intermediaries, who might then be
                     deemed to be "underwriters" under the Securities Act of
                     1933, as amended.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION
                     A Right of Accumulation allows you, under certain
                     circumstances, to combine your current purchase with the
                     current market value of previously purchased shares of the
                     Portfolio and Class D shares of other portfolios ("Eligible
                     Portfolios") in order to obtain a reduced sales charge.
LETTER OF INTENT
                     A Letter of Intent allows you, under certain circumstances,
                     to aggregate anticipated purchases over a 13-month period
                     to obtain a reduced sales charge.
SALES CHARGE WAIVER
                     Certain shareholders may qualify for a sales charge waiver.
                     To determine whether or not you qualify for a sales charge
                     waiver see "Additional Information About Doing Business
                     with Us." Shareholders who qualify for a sales charge
                     waiver must notify the Transfer Agent before purchasing
                     shares.
 
                                                                               7
<PAGE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES THROUGH THE TRANSFER AGENT
                     To sell your shares, a written request for redemption in
                     good order must be received by the Transfer Agent (or its
                     authorized agent). Valid written redemption requests will
                     be effective on receipt. All shareholders of record must
                     sign the redemption request.
BY MAIL
                     For information about the proper form of redemption
                     requests, call 1-800-437-6016. You may also have the
                     proceeds mailed to an address of record or mailed (or sent
                     by ACH) to a commercial bank
                     account previously designated on
                     the Account Application or
                     specified by written instruction
                     to the Transfer Agent.
 
                           There is no charge for
                     having redemption requests
                     mailed to a designated bank
                     account.
BY TELEPHONE
                     You may sell your shares by
                     telephone if you previously
                     elected that option on the
                     Account Application. You may
                     have the proceeds mailed to the
                     address of record, wired or sent
                     by ACH to a commercial bank
                     account previously designated on
                     the Account Application. Under
                     most circumstances, payments
                     will be transmitted on the next
                     Business Day following receipt of a valid telephone request
                     for redemption. Wire redemption requests may be made by
                     calling 1-800-437-6016. A wire redemption charge (presently
                     $10.00) will be deducted from the amount of the redemption.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS A
SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE?
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE VERIFIES THE AUTHENTICITY OF YOUR SIGNATURE AND MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: BANKS, BROKERS, DEALERS, CERTAIN CREDIT
UNIONS, SECURITIES EXCHANGE OR ASSOCIATION, CLEARING AGENCY OR SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION. A NOTARY PUBLIC CANNOT PROVIDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN ("SWP")
You may establish a systematic withdrawal plan for an account with a $10,000
minimum balance. Under the plan, redemptions can be automatically processed from
accounts (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually) by check or by ACH with
a minimum redemption amount of $50.
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES
         _______________________________________________________________________
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
                     The investment objective of the
                     Small Cap Growth Portfolio is
                     long-term capital appreciation.
                     There can be no assurance that
                     the Portfolio will achieve its
                     investment objective.
 
                           Under normal market
                     conditions, the Portfolio will
                     invest at least 65% of its total
                     assets in the equity securities
                     of smaller growth companies
                     (i.e., companies with market
                     capitalizations less than $1
                     billion) which, in the opinion
                     of the advisers, are in an early
                     stage or transitional point in
                     their development and have
                     demonstrated or have the
                     potential for above average
                     capital growth. The
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT ARE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES?
 
THE PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS A STATEMENT OF WHAT IT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE MATCHES YOUR OWN
FINANCIAL NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES. THE INVESTMENT POLICIES SECTION SPELLS OUT
THE TYPES OF SECURITIES IN WHICH THE PORTFOLIO INVESTS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                               8
<PAGE>
advisers will select companies that have the potential to gain market share in
their industry, achieve and maintain high and consistent profitability or
produce increases in earnings. The advisers also seek companies with strong
company management and superior fundamental strength. Small capitalization
companies have the potential to show earnings growth over time that is well
above the growth rate of the overall economy. Any remaining assets may be
invested in the equity securities of more established companies that the
advisers believe may offer strong capital appreciation potential due to their
relative market position, anticipated earnings growth, changes in management or
other similar opportunities.
 
      For temporary defensive purposes, the Portfolio may invest all or a
portion of its assets in common stocks of larger, more established companies or
in investment grade fixed income securities.
 
      The Portfolio's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%. Such a turnover rate
may result in higher transaction costs and may result in additional taxes for
shareholders. See "Taxes."
 
      The Portfolio's investment adviser is SEI Financial Management Corporation
and its investment sub-advisers are Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, Inc.,
First of America Investment Corporation, Furman Selz Capital Management LLC and
Wall Street Associates.
 
GENERAL INVESTMENT
POLICIES
     ___________________________________________________________________________
 
BORROWING
                     The Portfolio may borrow money to meet redemptions for
                     temporary emergency purposes. Interest paid on such
                     borrowings will reduce the Portfolio's income. The
                     Portfolio will not purchase securities while its borrowings
                     exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Equity securities include common stock, preferred stock,
                     warrants and rights to subscribe to common stock and, in
                     general, any security that is convertible into or
                     exchangeable for common stock. The Portfolio will invest in
                     common stocks listed on registered exchanges or actively
                     traded in the over-the-counter market.
INVESTMENT
COMPANY SECURITIES
                     The Portfolio may purchase investment company securities,
                     which will result in the layering of expenses. There are
                     legal limits on the amount of such securities that may be
                     acquired by a Portfolio.
 
MONEY MARKET
SECURITIES
                     The Portfolio may hold cash reserves and invest in money
                     market instruments (including securities issued or
                     guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
                     instrumentalities, repurchase agreements, certificates of
                     deposit and bankers' acceptances issued by banks or savings
                     and loan associations having net assets of at least $500
                     million as of the end of their most recent fiscal year,
                     high-grade commercial paper and other short-term debt
                     securities) rated at the time of purchase in the top two
                     categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating
                     organization ("NRSRO"), or, if not rated, determined by the
                     advisers to be of comparable quality at the time of
                     purchase.
 
                                                                               9
<PAGE>
OPTIONS AND FUTURES
                     The Portfolio may purchase or write options, futures and
                     options on futures. Risks associated with investing in
                     options and futures may include lack of a liquid secondary
                     market, trading restrictions which may be imposed by an
                     exchange and government regulations which may restrict
                     trading.
SECURITIES LENDING
                     The Portfolio may lend its assets to qualified investors in
                     order to realize additional income.
 
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE
INVESTMENTS
                     In order to meet liquidity needs, or for temporary
                     defensive purposes, the Portfolio may invest up to 100% of
                     its assets in cash and money market securities. To the
                     extent the Portfolio is engaged in temporary defensive
                     investing, the Portfolio will not be pursuing its
                     investment objective.
U.S. DOLLAR DENOMINATED
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
                     The Portfolio may invest in U.S. dollar denominated
                     securities of foreign issuers, including American
                     Depositary Receipts, that are traded on registered
                     exchanges or listed on NASDAQ.
WHEN-ISSUED AND
DELAYED-DELIVERY
SECURITIES
                     The Portfolio may invest in when-issued and delayed
                     delivery securities.
 
                           For additional information regarding the Portfolio's
                     permitted investments, see "Risk Factors" and "Description
                     of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" in this
                     Prospectus and "Description of Permitted Investments" in
                     the Statement of Additional Information. For a description
                     of the above ratings, see "Description of Ratings" in the
                     Statement of Additional Information.
RISK FACTORS
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Investments in equity securities in general are subject to
                     market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over
                     time. The value of convertible equity securities is also
                     affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality
                     of the issuer and any call provision. Fluctuations in the
                     value of equity securities in which the Portfolio invests
                     will cause the net asset value of the Portfolio to
                     fluctuate.
 
                           Investments in small capitalization companies
                     involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
                     larger, more established companies due to the greater
                     business risks of small size, limited markets and financial
                     resources, narrow product lines and the frequent lack of
                     depth of management. The securities of small companies are
                     often traded over-the-counter, and may not be traded in
                     volumes typical of securities traded on a national
                     securities exchange. Consequently, the securities of
                     smaller companies may have limited market stability and may
                     be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than
                     securities of larger, more established companies or the
                     market averages in general.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
                     The market value of the Portfolio's 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. Securities with longer
 
                                                                              10
<PAGE>
                     maturities are subject to greater fluctuations in value
                     than securities with shorter maturities. Changes by an
                     NRSRO in the rating of any fixed income security and in the
                     ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and
                     principal also affect the value of these investments.
                     Changes in the value of a Portfolio's securities will not
                     affect cash income derived from these securities but will
                     affect the Portfolio's net asset value.
 
                           Investment grade fixed income securities are
                     securities that are rated at least BBB by Standard & Poor's
                     Corporation ("S&P") or Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
                     Inc. ("Moody's"). Fixed income securities rated BBB by S&P
                     or Baa by Moody's lack outstanding investment
                     characteristics, and have speculative characteristics as
                     well.
 
                           Securities held by the Portfolio that are guaranteed
                     by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities
                     guarantee only the payment of principal and interest on the
                     guaranteed securities, and do not guarantee the securities'
                     yield or value or the yield or value of the Portfolio's
                     shares.
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
        ________________________________________________________________________
 
                     The investment objective and certain of the investment
                     limitations are fundamental policies of the Portfolio.
                     Fundamental policies cannot be changed with respect to the
                     Trust or the Portfolio without the consent of the holders
                     of a majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                     shares.
 
                     NO PORTFOLIO MAY:
 
                     1. With respect to 75% of its assets, (i) purchase the
                       securities of any issuer (except securities issued or
                       guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies
                       or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of
                       its total assets would be invested in the securities of
                       such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the
                       outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
 
                     2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                       of the total assets of the Portfolio to be invested in
                       the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                       principal business activities in the same industry,
                       provided that this limitation does not apply to
                       investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                       United States Government, its agencies or
                       instrumentalities.
 
                     The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the time
                     of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental and
                     non-fundamental investment limitations are set forth in the
                     Trust's Statement of Additional Information.
 
THE MANAGER
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING AGENT
             ___________________________________________________________________
 
                     SEI Fund Management ("SEI Management") provides the Trust
                     with overall management services, regulatory reporting, all
                     necessary office space, equipment, personnel and
                     facilities, and acts as shareholder servicing agent for the
                     Portfolio's Class D shares.
 
                                                                              11
<PAGE>
                           For its management services, SEI Management is
                     entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid
                     monthly, at an annual rate of .35% of the average daily net
                     assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio. In addition, SEI
                     Management has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its
                     fees in order to limit the operating expenses of the
                     Portfolio's Class D shares on an annualized basis. Any such
                     waivers are voluntary and may be terminated at any time in
                     SEI Management's sole discretion.
 
                           For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the
                     Portfolio paid management fees (based on its average daily
                     net assets after fee waivers) of .34%.
 
                           The Trust and DST Systems, Inc., 1004 Baltimore St.,
                     2nd Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, have entered into a
                     separate transfer agent agreement with respect to the Class
                     D shares of the Trust. Under this agreement, DST acts as
                     the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent (the
                     "Transfer Agent") for the Class D shares of the Trust.
THE ADVISER
         _______________________________________________________________________
 
SEI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
                     SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM") serves as
                     investment adviser to the Portfolio. SFM is a wholly-owned
                     subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI"), a financial
                     services company located in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The
                     principal business address of SFM is Oaks, Pennsylvania
                     19456. SEI was founded in 1968 and is a leading provider of
                     investment solutions to banks, institutional investors,
                     investment advisers and insurance companies. Affiliates of
                     SFM have provided consulting advice to institutional
                     investors for more than 20 years, including advice
                     regarding selection and evaluation of investment advisers.
                     SFM currently serves as manager or administrator to more
                     than 40 investment companies, including more than 290
                     portfolios, which investment companies have more than $69
                     billion in assets as of September 30, 1996.
 
                           SFM acts as the investment adviser to the Portfolio
                     and operates as a "manager of managers." As Adviser, SFM
                     oversees the investment advisory services provided to the
                     Portfolio and manages the cash portion of the Portfolio's
                     assets. Pursuant to separate sub-advisory agreements with
                     SFM, and under the supervision of SFM and the Board of
                     Trustees, the sub-advisers are responsible for the
                     day-to-day investment management of all or a discrete
                     portion of the assets of the Portfolio. The sub-advisers
                     are selected based primarily upon the research and
                     recommendations of SFM, which evaluates quantitatively and
                     qualitatively each sub-adviser's skills and investment
                     results in managing assets for specific asset classes,
                     investment styles and strategies. Subject to Board review.
                     SFM allocates and, when appropriate, reallocates the
                     Portfolio's assets among sub-advisers, monitors and
                     evaluates sub-adviser performance, and oversees sub-adviser
                     compliance with the Portfolio's investment objective,
                     policies and restrictions. SFM has the ultimate
                     responsibility for the investment performance of the
                     Portfolio due to its responsibility to oversee sub-advisers
                     and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement.
 
                                                                              12
<PAGE>
                           For these advisory services SFM is entitled to a fee,
                     which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual
                     rate of .65% of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio's average
                     daily net assets. SFM pays the sub-advisers out of its
                     investment advisory fee.
 
                           For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, SFM
                     received an advisory fee of .65% of the Small Cap Growth
                     Portfolio's average daily net assets.
 
                           SFM has obtained an exemptive
                     order from the Securities and
                     Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
                     that permits SFM, with the
                     approval of the Trust's Board of
                     Trustees, to retain sub-advisers
                     unaffiliated with SFM for the
                     Portfolio without submitting the
                     sub-advisory agreements to a
                     vote of the Portfolio's
                     shareholders. The exemptive
                     relief permits the disclosure of
                     only the aggregate amount
                     payable by SFM under all such
                     sub-advisory agreements. The
                     Portfolio will notify
                     shareholders in the event of any
                     addition or change in the
                     identity of its sub-advisers.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT
ADVISER & SUB-ADVISERS
 
THE PORTFOLIO'S ADVISERS MANAGE THE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO. THE SUB-ADVISERS CONDUCT INVESTMENT
RESEARCH, EXECUTE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES BASED ON AN ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC AND
MARKET CONDITIONS, AND DETERMINE WHICH SECURITIES TO BUY, HOLD OR SELL.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SUB-ADVISERS
               _________________________________________________________________
 
FIRST OF AMERICA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
                     First of America Investment Corporation ("First of
                     America") serves as sub-adviser to a portion of the assets
                     of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio. First of America is a
                     Michigan Corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
                     First America Bank - Michigan, N.A., a national banking
                     association, which is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of
                     First America Bank Corporation, a registered bank holding
                     company. First of America is registered as an investment
                     adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. First of
                     America, together with its predecessor, has been engaged in
                     the investment advisory business since 1932. First of
                     America's principal business address is 303 North Rose
                     Street, Suite 500, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. As of
                     September 30, 1996, First of America had approximately
                     $14.3 billion in assets under management. First of
                     America's clients include mutual funds, trust funds, and
                     individually managed institutional and individual accounts.
 
                           Mr. Roger Stamper, CFA, has primary responsibility
                     for First of America's portion of the Small Cap Growth
                     Portfolio. Mr. Stamper is a Managing Director of First of
                     America and has been with First of America since 1988.
 
                           SFM pays First of America a fee based on a percentage
                     of the average monthly market value of the portion of the
                     assets of the Portfolio managed by First of America.
 
                                                                              13
<PAGE>
FURMAN SELZ CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC
                     Furman Selz Capital Management LLC ("Furman Selz") serves
                     as sub-adviser to a portion of the assets of the Small Cap
                     Growth Portfolio. Furman Selz, a Delaware limited liability
                     company whose predecessor was formed in 1977, is a
                     registered investment adviser that managed approximately $7
                     billion in assets as of August 31, 1996. Furman Selz is a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of Furman Selz Holdings LLC. Furman
                     Selz's principal business address is 230 Park Avenue, New
                     York, NY 10169.
 
                           Matthew S. Price and David C. Campbell, Managing
                     Directors/Portfolio Managers of Furman Selz, are primarily
                     responsible for the day-to-day management and investment
                     decisions made with respect to the assets of the Portfolio.
                     Prior to joining Furman Selz, Mr. Price and Mr. Campbell
                     were Senior Portfolio Managers at Value Line Asset
                     Management.
 
                           SFM pays Furman Selz a fee based on a percentage of
                     the average monthly market value of the portion of the
                     assets of the Portfolio managed by Furman Selz.
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE
CAPITAL
MANAGEMENT, INC.
                     Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, Inc.
                     ("Nicholas-Applegate") serves as sub-adviser to a portion
                     of the assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio.
                     Nicholas-Applegate has operated as an investment adviser
                     which provides investment services to numerous clients,
                     including employee benefit plans, public retirement systems
                     and unions, university endowments, foundations, investment
                     companies, other institutional investors and individuals.
                     As of September 30, 1996, Nicholas-Applegate had
                     discretionary management authority with respect to
                     approximately $30.6 billion of assets. The principal
                     business address of Nicholas-Applegate is 600 West
                     Broadway, 29th Floor, San Diego, California 92101.
                     Nicholas-Applegate, pursuant to a partnership agreement, is
                     controlled by its general partner Nicholas-Applegate
                     Capital Management, Holdings, L.P., a California Limited
                     Partnership controlled by Arthur E. Nicholas.
 
                           Nicholas-Applegate manages its portion of the Small
                     Cap Growth Portfolio through its systematic-driven
                     management team under the general supervision of Mr.
                     Nicholas, founder and Chief Investment Officer of the firm.
                     Nicholas-Applegate's systems driven investment team, headed
                     by Lawrence S. Speidell, is primarily responsible for the
                     day-to-day management of the Portfolio since March, 1994.
                     Mr. Speidell has been a Portfolio Manager and investment
                     team leader with Nicholas-Applegate since March, 1994.
                     Prior to joining Nicholas-Applegate, he was an
                     institutional portfolio manager with Batterymarch Financial
                     Management.
 
                           SFM pays Nicholas-Applegate a fee based on a
                     percentage of the average monthly market value of the
                     portion of the assets of the Portfolio managed by
                     Nicholas-Applegate.
 
WALL STREET
ASSOCIATES
                     Wall Street Associates ("WSA") serves as sub-adviser to a
                     portion of the assets of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio.
                     WSA is organized as a corporation with its principal
                     business address at 1200 Prospect Street, Suite 100, La
                     Jolla, California 92037. WSA was founded in 1987, and as of
                     September 30, 1996, had approximately $1 billion in assets
                     under management. WSA provides investment advisory services
                     for institutional clients, an
 
                                                                              14
<PAGE>
                     investment partnership for which it serves as general
                     partner, a group trust, for which it serves as sole
                     investment manager, and an offshore fund for foreign
                     investors for which it serves as the sole investment
                     manager.
 
                           William Jeffery III, Kenneth F. McCain, and Richard
                     S. Coons, each of whom own 1/3 of WSA, has served as
                     Portfolio Managers for the portion of the Portfolio's
                     assets allocated to WSA since August, 1995. Each is a
                     principal of WSA and, together, they have 78 years of
                     investment management experience.
 
                           SFM pays WSA a fee based on a percentage of the
                     average monthly market value of the portion of the assets
                     of the Portfolio managed by WSA.
DISTRIBUTION
         _______________________________________________________________________
 
                     SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                     wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI, serves as the Portfolio's
                     distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement (the
                     "Distribution Agreement") with the Trust. The Trust has
                     adopted a distribution plan for its Class D shares (the
                     "Class D Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
                     Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Portfolio has
                     adopted a shareholder servicing plan for its Class A shares
                     (the "Class A Service Plan").
 
                           The Class D Plan provides for payments to the
                     Distributor at an annual rate of .30% of the Portfolio's
                     average daily net assets attributable to Class D shares.
                     This payment may be used to compensate financial
                     institutions that provide distribution-related services to
                     their customers. These payments are characterized as
                     "compensation," and are not directly tied to expenses
                     incurred by the Distributor; the payments the Distributor
                     receives during any year may therefore be higher or lower
                     than its actual expenses. These payments compensate the
                     Distributor for its services in connection with
                     distribution assistance or the provision of shareholder
                     services, and some or all of it may be used to pay
                     financial institutions and intermediaries such as banks,
                     savings and loan associations, insurance companies, and
                     investment counselors, broker-dealers (including the
                     Distributor's affiliates and subsidiaries) for services or
                     reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with
                     distribution assistance or the provision of shareholder
                     services. If the Distributor's expenses are less than its
                     fees under the Class D Plan, the Trust will still pay the
                     full fee and the Distributor will realize a profit, but the
                     Trust will not be obligated to pay in excess of the full
                     fee, even if the Distributor's actual expenses are higher.
                     Currently, the Distributor is taking this compensation
                     payment under the Class D Plan at a rate of .25% of the
                     Portfolio's average daily net assets, on an annualized
                     basis, attributable to Class D shares.
 
                           It is possible that an institution may offer
                     different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                     receive different compensation with respect to different
                     classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                     separate fees to their customers.
 
                           The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                     transactions through the Distributor, for which the
                     Distributor may receive compensation.
 
                                                                              15
<PAGE>
                           The Distributor may, from time to time and at its own
                     expense, provide promotional incentives, in the form of
                     cash or other compensation, to certain financial
                     institutions whose representatives have sold or are
                     expected to sell significant amounts of the Portfolio's
                     shares.
PERFORMANCE
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     From time to time, the Portfolio may advertise yield and
                     total return. These figures will be based on historical
                     earnings and are not intended to indicate future
                     performance. The yield of the Portfolio refers to the
                     annualized income generated by an investment in the
                     Portfolio over a specified 30-day period. The yield is
                     calculated by assuming that the same amount of income
                     generated by the investment during that period is generated
                     in each 30-day period over one year and is shown as a
                     percentage of the investment.
 
                           The total return of the Portfolio refers to the
                     average compounded rate of return to a hypothetical
                     investment, net of any sales charge imposed on Class D
                     Shares redeemed at the end of the specified period covered
                     by the total return figure, for designated time periods
                     (including but not limited to, the period from which the
                     Portfolio commenced operations through the specified date),
                     assuming that the entire investment is redeemed at the end
                     of each period and assuming the reinvestment of all
                     dividend and capital gain distributions. The total return
                     of the Portfolio may also be quoted as a dollar amount or
                     on an aggregate basis, an actual basis, without inclusion
                     of any front-end or contingent sales charges, or with a
                     reduced sales charge in advertisements distributed to
                     investors entitled to a reduced sales charge.
 
                           The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                     performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                     mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                     financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                     broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                     indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                     generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                     management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                     The Portfolio may quote Morningstar, Inc., a service that
                     ranks mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted
                     performance, and Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois,
                     which provides historical returns of the capital markets in
                     the U.S. The Portfolio may use long term performance of
                     these capital markets to demonstrate general long-term risk
                     versus reward scenarios and could include the value of a
                     hypothetical investment in any of the capital markets. The
                     Portfolio may also quote financial and business
                     publications and periodicals as they relate to fund
                     management, investment philosophy, and investment
                     techniques.
 
                           The Portfolio may quote various measures of
                     volatility and benchmark correlation in advertising and may
                     compare these measures to those of other funds. Measures of
                     volatility attempt to compare historical share price
                     fluctuations or total returns to a benchmark while measures
                     of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a comparative
 
                                                                              16
<PAGE>
                     benchmark might be. Measures of volatility and correlation
                     are calculated using averages of historical data and cannot
                     be calculated precisely.
 
                           For the Portfolio, the performance of Class A shares
                     will normally be higher than the performance of the Class D
                     shares because of the additional distribution and transfer
                     agent expenses charged to Class D shares.
TAXES
  ______________________________________________________________________________
 
                     The following summary of federal income tax consequences is
                     based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                     changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action.
                     No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                     of the federal, state, or local income tax treatment of the
                     Portfolio or its shareholders. In addition, state and local
                     tax consequences of an investment in the Portfolio may
                     differ from the federal income tax consequences described
                     below. Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their
                     tax advisers regarding specific questions as to federal,
                     state, and local income taxes. Additional information
                     concerning taxes is set forth in the Statement of
                     Additional Information.
TAX STATUS
OF THE PORTFOLIOS
                     The Portfolio is treated as a
                     separate entity for federal
                     income tax purposes and is not
                     combined with the Trust's other
                     portfolios. The Portfolio
                     intends to continue to qualify
                     for the special tax treatment
                     afforded regulated investment
                     companies ("RICs") under
                     Subchapter M of the Internal
                     Revenue Code of 1986, as
                     amended, so as to be relieved of
                     federal income tax on net
                     investment company taxable income (including the excess, if
                     any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term
                     capital losses) and net capital gains (the excess of net
                     long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses)
                     distributed to shareholders.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXES
YOU MUST PAY TAXES ON YOUR PORTFOLIO'S EARNINGS, WHETHER YOU TAKE YOUR PAYMENTS
IN CASH OR ADDITIONAL SHARES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TAX STATUS
OF DISTRIBUTIONS
The Portfolio distributes substantially all of its
net investment company taxable income to
shareholders. Dividends from the Portfolio's net
investment company taxable income are taxable to its
shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in
cash or in additional shares), and generally will
qualify for the dividends-received deduction for
corporate shareholders to the extent that such
dividends are derived from dividends received by the
Portfolio from domestic corporations. Distributions
of
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
THE PORTFOLIO DISTRIBUTES INCOME DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS. INCOME DIVIDENDS
REPRESENT THE EARNINGS FROM THE PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS; CAPITAL GAINS
DISTRIBUTIONS OCCUR WHEN THE PORTFOLIO SELLS INVESTMENTS FOR MORE THAN THEIR
ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
net capital gains are not eligible for the corporate dividends-received
deduction and are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless
of how long a shareholder has held shares. The Portfolio will provide annual
reports to shareholders of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Dividends declared by a Portfolio in October,
 
                                                                              17
<PAGE>
November or December of any year and payable to shareholders of record on a date
in such a month will be deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received
by the shareholders on December 31 of the year declared if paid by the Portfolio
at any time during the following January.
 
      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid liability
for the federal excise tax applicable to RICs.
 
      Each sale, exchange, or redemption of the Portfolio's shares generally is
a taxable transaction to the shareholder.
 
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT
DOING BUSINESS
WITH US
    ____________________________________________________________________________
 
BUSINESS DAYS
                     You may buy, sell or exchange
                     shares on days which the New
                     York Stock Exchange is open for
                     business (a "Business Day"). All
                     purchase, exchange and
                     redemption requests received in
                     "good order" will be effective
                     as of the Business Day received
                     by the Transfer Agent (or its
                     authorized agent) as long as the
                     Transfer Agent (or its
                     authorized agent) receives the
                     order and, in the case of a
                     purchase request, payment before
                     4:00 p.m. Eastern time.
                     Otherwise the purchase will be
                     effective when payment is
                     received. Broker-dealers may
                     have separate arrangements with
                     the Trust regarding the sale of
                     its Class D shares.
 
                           If an exchange request is
                     for shares of a portfolio whose
                     net asset value is calculated as
                     of a time earlier than 4:00 p.m.
                     Eastern time, the exchange request will not be effective
                     until the next Business Day. Anyone who wishes to make an
                     exchange must have received a current prospectus of the
                     portfolio into which the exchange is being made before the
                     exchange will be effected.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUY, EXCHANGE AND
SELL REQUESTS ARE IN
"GOOD ORDER" WHEN:
- - THE ACCOUNT NUMBER AND PORTFOLIO NAME ARE SHOWN
   - THE AMOUNT OF THE TRANSACTION IS SPECIFIED IN DOLLARS OR SHARES
   - SIGNATURES OF ALL OWNERS APPEAR EXACTLY AS THEY ARE REGISTERED ON THE
     ACCOUNT
   - ANY REQUIRED SIGNATURE GUARANTEES (IF APPLICABLE) ARE INCLUDED
   - OTHER SUPPORTING LEGAL DOCUMENTS (AS NECESSARY) ARE PRESENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
The minimum initial investment in the Portfolio's Class D shares is $1,000;
however, the minimum investment may be waived at the Distributor's discretion.
All subsequent purchases must be at least $100 ($25 for payroll deductions
authorized pursuant to pre-approved payroll deduction plans). The Trust reserves
the right to reject a purchase order when the Distributor determines that it is
not in the best interest of the Trust or its shareholders to accept such order.
In addition, because excessive trading (including short-term "market timing"
trading) can hurt the Portfolio's performance, the Portfolio may refuse purchase
orders from any shareholder account if the accountholder has been
 
                                                                              18
<PAGE>
                     advised that previous purchase and redemption transactions
                     were considered excessive in number or amount. Accounts
                     under common control or ownership, including those with the
                     same taxpayer identification number and those administered
                     so as to redeem or purchase shares based upon certain
                     predetermined market indicators, will be considered one
                     account for this purpose.
MAINTAINING A MINIMUM
ACCOUNT BALANCE
                     Due to the relatively high cost of handling small
                     investments, the Portfolio reserves the right to redeem, at
                     net asset value, the shares of any shareholder if, because
                     of redemptions of shares by or on behalf of the
                     shareholder, the account of such shareholder in the
                     Portfolio has a value of less than $1,000, the minimum
                     initial purchase amount. Accordingly, an investor
                     purchasing shares of the Portfolio in only the minimum
                     investment amount may be subject to such involuntary
                     redemption if he or she thereafter redeems any of these
                     shares. Before the Portfolio exercises its right to redeem
                     such shares and to send the proceeds to the shareholder,
                     the shareholder will be given notice that the value of the
                     shares in his or her account is less than the minimum
                     amount and will be allowed 60 days to make an additional
                     investment in the Portfolio in an amount that will increase
                     the value of the account to at least $1,000. See "Purchase
                     and Redemption of Shares" in the Statement of Additional
                     Information for examples of when the right of redemption
                     may be suspended.
 
                           At various times, the Portfolio may receive a request
                     to redeem shares for which it has not yet received good
                     payment. In such circumstances, redemption proceeds will be
                     forwarded upon collection of payment for the shares;
                     collection of payment may take 10 or more days. The
                     Portfolio intends to pay cash for all shares redeemed, but
                     under abnormal conditions that make payment in cash unwise,
                     payment may be made wholly or partly in portfolio
                     securities with a market value equal to the redemption
                     price. In such cases, an investor may incur brokerage costs
                     in converting such securities to cash.
NET ASSET VALUE
                     An order to buy shares will be executed at a per share
                     price equal to the net asset value next determined after
                     the receipt of the purchase order by the Distributor plus
                     any applicable sales charge (the "offering price"). No
                     certificates representing shares will be issued. An order
                     to sell shares will be executed at the net asset value per
                     share next determined after receipt and effectiveness of a
                     request for redemption in good order. Net asset value per
                     share is determined as of the close of business of the New
                     York Stock Exchange (currently, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on
                     each Business Day. Payment to shareholders for shares
                     redeemed will be made within seven days after receipt by
                     the Distributor of the redemption order.
HOW THE
NET ASSET VALUE
IS DETERMINED
                     The net asset value per share of the Portfolio is
                     determined by dividing the total market value of its
                     investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the
                     total number of outstanding shares of the Portfolio. The
                     Portfolio may use a pricing service to obtain the last sale
                     price of each equity or fixed income security held by the
                     Portfolio. In addition, portfolio securities are valued at
                     the last quoted sales price for such securities, or, if
                     there
 
                                                                              19
<PAGE>
                     is no such reported sales price on the valuation date, at
                     the most recent quoted bid price. Unlisted securities for
                     which market quotations are readily available are valued at
                     the most recent quoted bid price. Net asset value per share
                     is determined daily as of the close of business of the New
                     York Stock Exchange (currently, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on
                     each Business Day. Purchases will be made in full and
                     fractional shares of the Portfolio calculated to three
                     decimal places. Although the methodology and procedures for
                     determining net asset value per share are identical for
                     both classes of the Portfolio, the net asset value per
                     share of one class may differ from that of another class
                     because of the different distribution and shareholder
                     servicing fees charged to each class and the incremental
                     transfer agent fees charged to Class D shares.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
                     In calculating the sales charge rates applicable to current
                     purchases of the Portfolio's shares, a "single purchaser"
                     (defined below) is entitled to combine current purchases
                     with the current market value of previously purchased
                     shares of the Portfolio and Class D shares of other
                     portfolios ("Eligible Portfolios") which are sold subject
                     to a comparable sales charge.
 
                           The term "single purchaser" refers to (i) an
                     individual, (ii) an individual and spouse purchasing shares
                     of the Portfolio for their own account or for trust or
                     custodial accounts of their minor children, or (iii) a
                     fiduciary purchasing for any one trust, estate or fiduciary
                     account, including employee benefit plans created under
                     Sections 401 or 457 of the Code, including related plans of
                     the same employer. Furthermore, under this provision,
                     purchases by a single purchaser shall include purchases by
                     an individual for his or her own account in combination
                     with (i) purchases of that individual and spouse for their
                     joint accounts or for trust and custodial accounts for
                     their minor children and (ii) purchases of that
                     individual's spouse for his or her own account. To be
                     entitled to a reduced sales charge based upon shares
                     already owned, the investor must ask the Transfer Agent for
                     such reduction at the time of purchase and provide the
                     account number(s) of the investor, the investor and spouse,
                     and their children (under age 21). The Portfolio may amend
                     or terminate this right of accumulation at any time as to
                     subsequent purchases.
LETTER OF INTENT
                     By submitting a Letter of Intent (the "Letter") to the
                     Transfer Agent, a single purchaser may purchase shares of
                     the Portfolio and the other Eligible Portfolios during a
                     13-month period at the reduced sales charge rates applying
                     to the aggregate amount of the intended purchases stated in
                     the Letter. The Letter may apply to purchases made up to 90
                     days before the date of the Letter. It is the shareholder's
                     responsibility to notify the Transfer Agent at the time the
                     Letter is submitted that there are prior purchases that may
                     apply.
 
                           Five percent (5%) of the total amount intended to be
                     purchased will be held in escrow by the Transfer Agent
                     until such purchase is completed within the 13-month
                     period. The 13-month period begins on the date of the
                     earliest purchase. If the intended investment is not
                     completed, the Transfer Agent will surrender an appropriate
                     number of the escrowed shares for redemption in order to
                     realize the difference between the sales
 
                                                                              20
<PAGE>
                     charge on the shares purchased at the reduced rate and the
                     sales charge otherwise applicable to the total shares
                     purchased. Such purchasers may include the value of all
                     their shares of the Portfolio and of any of the other
                     Eligible Portfolios towards the completion of such Letter.
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS
                     No sales charge is imposed on shares of the Portfolio: (i)
                     issued in plans of reorganization, such as mergers, asset
                     acquisitions and exchange offers, to which the Trust is a
                     party; (ii) sold to dealers or brokers that have a sales
                     agreement with the Distributor ("participating
                     broker-dealers"), for their own account or for retirement
                     plans for employees or sold to present employees of dealers
                     or brokers that certify to the Distributor at the time of
                     purchase that such purchase is for their own account; (iii)
                     sold to present employees of SEI or one of its affiliates,
                     or of any entity which is a current service provider to the
                     Trust; (iv) sold to tax-exempt organizations enumerated in
                     Section 501(c) of the Code or qualified employee benefit
                     plans created under Sections 401, 403(b)(7) or 457 of the
                     Code (but not IRAs or SEPs); (v) sold to fee-based clients
                     of banks, financial planners and investment advisers; (vi)
                     sold to clients of trust companies and bank trust
                     departments; (vii) sold to trustees and officers of the
                     Trust; (viii) purchased with proceeds from the recent
                     redemption of shares of another class of shares of a
                     portfolio of the Trust or Class D shares of SEI Tax Exempt
                     Trust, SEI International Trust or SEI Liquid Asset Trust;
                     (ix) purchased with the proceeds from the recent redemption
                     of shares of a mutual fund with similar investment
                     objectives and policies for which a front-end sales charge
                     was paid (this offer will be extended, to cover shares on
                     which a deferred sales charge was paid, if permitted under
                     regulatory authorities' interpretation of applicable law);
                     (x) sold to participants or members of certain affinity
                     groups, such as trade associations or membership
                     organizations, which have entered into arrangements with
                     the Distributor; or (xi) sold to persons participating in
                     certain financial services programs offered by the bank
                     affiliates of First Security Corporation.
 
                           An investor relying upon any of the categories of
                     waivers of sales charges must qualify such waiver in
                     advance of the purchase with the Transfer Agent or the
                     financial institution or the intermediary through which
                     shares are purchased by the investor.
 
                           The waiver of the sales charge under circumstances
                     (viii) and (ix) above applies only if the following
                     conditions are met: the purchase must be made within 60
                     days of the redemption; the Transfer Agent must be notified
                     in writing by the investor, or his or her agent, at the
                     time a purchase is made; and a copy of the investor's
                     account statement showing such redemption must accompany
                     such notice. The waiver policy with respect to the purchase
                     of shares through the use of proceeds from a recent
                     redemption as described in clauses (viii) and (ix) above
                     will not be continued indefinitely and may be discontinued
                     at any time without notice. Investors should call
                     1-800-437-6016 to confirm availability prior to initiating
                     the procedures described in clauses (viii) and (ix) above.
 
                                                                              21
<PAGE>
                           The Distributor has also entered into arrangements
                     with certain affinity groups and broker-dealers wherein
                     their members or clients are entitled to percentage-based
                     discounts from the otherwise applicable sales charge for
                     purchase of Class D shares. Currently the percentage-based
                     discount is either 10% or 50%. Members of affinity groups
                     and clients of broker-dealers should see the Statement of
                     Additional Information or contact the Transfer Agent for
                     further information.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
                     The Transfer Agent may require that the signatures on the
                     written request be guaranteed. You should be able to obtain
                     a signature guarantee from a bank, broker, dealer, certain
                     credit unions, securities exchange or association, clearing
                     agency or savings association. Notaries public cannot
                     guarantee signatures. The signature guarantee requirement
                     will be waived if all of the following conditions apply:
                     (1) the redemption is for not more than $5,000 worth of
                     shares, (2) the redemption check is payable to the
                     shareholder(s) of record, and (3) the redemption check is
                     mailed to the shareholder(s) at his or her address of
                     record. The Trust and the Transfer Agent reserve the right
                     to amend these requirements without notice.
TELEPHONE/WIRE INSTRUCTIONS
                     Redemption orders may be placed by telephone. Neither the
                     Trust nor the Transfer Agent will be responsible for any
                     loss, liability, cost or expense for acting upon wire
                     instructions or upon telephone instructions that it
                     reasonably believes to be genuine. The Trust and the
                     Transfer Agent will each employ reasonable procedures to
                     confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
                     genuine, including requiring a form of personal
                     identification prior to acting upon instructions received
                     by telephone and recording telephone instructions. If
                     market conditions are extraordinarily active, or other
                     extraordinary circumstances exist, and you experience
                     difficulties placing redemption orders by telephone, you
                     may wish to consider placing your order by other means.
SYSTEMATIC
WITHDRAWAL
PLAN ("SWP")
                     Please note that if withdrawals exceed income dividends,
                     your invested principal in the account will be depleted.
                     Thus, depending upon the frequency and amounts of the
                     withdrawal payments and/or any fluctuations in the net
                     asset value per share, your original investment could be
                     exhausted entirely. To participate in the SWP, you must
                     have your dividends automatically reinvested. You may
                     change or cancel the SWP at any time, upon written notice
                     to the Transfer Agent.
HOW TO
CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT
                     An account may be closed by providing written notice to the
                     Transfer Agent. You may also close your account by
                     telephone if you have previously elected telephone options
                     on your account application.
 
                                                                              22
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION
                  ______________________________________________________________
 
THE TRUST
                     The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                     under a Declaration of Trust dated October 20, 1986. The
                     Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                     series ("portfolios") of shares and different classes of
                     the Portfolio. Shareholders may purchase shares in the
                     Portfolio through two separate classes: Class A and Class D
                     shares, which provide for variation in distribution and
                     transfer agent costs, voting rights, dividends, and the
                     imposition of a sales charge on the Class D shares.
                     Additional information pertaining to the Trust may be
                     obtained by writing to SEI Fund Management, Oaks,
                     Pennsylvania 19456, or by calling 1-800-437-6016. All
                     consideration received by the Trust for shares of any
                     portfolio and all assets of such portfolio belong to that
                     portfolio and would be subject to the liabilities related
                     thereto.
 
                           The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                     service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                     preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                     reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                     registering the shares under federal and state securities
                     laws, pricing, insurance expenses, including litigation and
                     other extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest
                     charges, taxes and organization expenses.
 
                           Certain shareholders in the Trust may obtain asset
                     allocation services from the Adviser and other financial
                     intermediaries with respect to their investments in the
                     Trust. If a sufficient amount of the Portfolio's assets are
                     subject to such asset allocation services, the Portfolio
                     may incur higher transaction costs and a higher portfolio
                     turnover rate than would otherwise be anticipated as a
                     result of redemptions and purchases of Portfolio shares
                     pursuant to such services. Further, to the extent that the
                     Adviser is providing asset allocation services and
                     providing investment advice to the Portfolio, it may face
                     conflicts of interest in fulfilling its responsibilities
                     because of the possible differences between the interests
                     of its asset allocation clients and the interests of the
                     Portfolio.
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
                     The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                     the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                     Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                     which, as described above, certain companies provide
                     essential management services to the Trust.
VOTING RIGHTS
                     Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                     vote. The shareholders of each Portfolio of the Trust will
                     vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                     Portfolio. The shareholders of each class will vote
                     separately on matters pertaining to its distribution plan.
                     As a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not
                     required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, but
                     approval will be sought for certain changes in the
                     operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees
                     under certain circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be
                     removed by the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a
                     special meeting called upon written request of shareholders
                     owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
                     In the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust
                     will provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                     shareholders requesting the meeting.
 
                                                                              23
<PAGE>
REPORTING
                     The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                     semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                     The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                     shareholders of record.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
                     Shareholder inquiries should be directed to DST Systems,
                     Inc., P.O. Box 419240, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6240.
DIVIDENDS
                     Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                     of capital gains) of the Portfolio is periodically declared
                     and paid as a dividend. Dividends currently are paid on a
                     quarterly basis for the Portfolio. Currently, capital
                     gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.
 
                           Shareholders automatically receive all income
                     dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                     shares at the net asset value next determined following the
                     record date, unless the shareholder has elected to take
                     such payment in cash. Shareholders may change their
                     election by providing written notice to SEI Management at
                     least 15 days prior to the distribution.
 
                           Dividends and capital gains of the Portfolio are paid
                     on a per-share basis. The value of each share will be
                     reduced by the amount of any such payment. If shares are
                     purchased shortly before the record date for a dividend or
                     capital gains distributions, a shareholder will pay the
                     full price for the share and receive some portion of the
                     price back as a taxable dividend or distribution.
 
                           The dividends on Class D shares will normally be
                     lower than on Class A shares of the Portfolio because of
                     the additional distribution and transfer agent expenses
                     charged to Class D shares.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS
                     Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust.
                     Price Waterhouse LLP serves as the independent accountants
                     of the Trust.
CUSTODIAN AND WIRE AGENT
                     CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O. Box
                     7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101 (the "Custodian"),
                     acts as custodian and wire agent of the Trust's assets. The
                     Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the
                     Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
 
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS AND
RISK FACTORS
          ______________________________________________________________________
 
                     The following is a description of the permitted investment
                     practices for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                     factors:
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY
RECEIPTS ("ADRS")
                     ADRs are securities, typically issued by U.S. financial
                     institution (a "depositary"), that evidence ownership
                     interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by a
                     foreign issuer and deposited with the depositary. ADRs may
                     be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored"
                     facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by
                     the issuer of the
 
                                                                              24
<PAGE>
                     security underlying the receipt and a depositary, whereas
                     an unsponsored facility may be established by a depositary
                     without participation by the issuer of the underlying
                     security.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
                     Convertible securities are corporate securities that are
                     exchangeable for a set number of another security at a
                     prestated price. Convertible securities typically have
                     characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity
                     securities. Because of the conversion feature, the market
                     value of a convertible security tends to move with the
                     market value of the underlying stock. The value of a
                     convertible security is also affected by prevailing
                     interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer, and any
                     call provisions.
DERIVATIVES
                     Derivatives are securities that derive their value from
                     other securities, assets or indices. The following are
                     considered derivative securities: options on futures,
                     futures, options (e.g., puts and calls), swap agreements,
                     mortgage-backed securities (e.g., CMOs, REMICs, IOs and
                     POs), when-issued securities and forward commitments,
                     floating and variable rate securities, convertible
                     securities, "stripped" U.S. Treasury securities (e.g.,
                     Receipts and STRIPs), privately issued stripped securities
                     (e.g., TGRs, TRs and CATS). See elsewhere in this
                     "Description of Permitted Investments and Risk Factors" for
                     discussions of these various instruments.
EQUITY SECURITIES
                     Equity securities represent ownership interests in a
                     company or corporation, and include common stock, preferred
                     stock, and warrants and other rights to acquire such
                     instruments.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
                     Fixed income securities are debt obligations issued by
                     corporations, municipalities and other borrowers. 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.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON
FUTURES
                     Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party
                     and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a
                     specific security at a specified future time and at a
                     specified price. An option on a futures contract give the
                     purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a
                     position in a futures contract at a specified exercise
                     price during the term of the option. The Portfolio may use
                     futures contracts and related options for bona fide hedging
                     purposes, to offset changes in the value of securities held
                     or expected to be acquired or be disposed of, to minimize
                     fluctuations in foreign currencies, or to gain exposure to
                     a particular market or instrument. The Portfolio will
                     minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a
                     futures contract that are traded on national futures
                     exchanges.
 
                           A stock index futures contract is a bilateral
                     agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or
                     make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified
                     dollar amount times the difference between the stock index
                     value at the close of trading of the contract and the price
                     at which the futures contract is originally struck. No
                     physical
 
                                                                              25
<PAGE>
                     delivery of the stocks comprising the index is made;
                     generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration
                     date of the contract.
 
                           In order to avoid leveraging and related risks, when
                     the Portfolio purchases futures contracts, it will
                     collateralize its position by depositing an amount of cash
                     or liquid, high grade debt securities equal to the market
                     value of the futures positions held, less margin deposits,
                     in a segregated account with the Trust's Custodian.
                     Collateral equal to the current market value of the futures
                     position will be marked to market on a daily basis.
 
                           The Portfolio may enter into futures contracts and
                     options on futures contracts traded on an exchange
                     regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission
                     ("CFTC"), so long as, to the extent that such transactions
                     are not for "bone fide hedging purposes," the aggregate
                     initial margin and premiums on such positions (excluding
                     the amount by which such options are in the money) do not
                     exceed 5% of the Portfolio's net assets.
 
                           There are risks associated with these activities,
                     including the following: (1) the success of a hedging
                     strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in
                     the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in
                     markets and movements in interest rates, (2) there may be
                     an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in
                     market value of the securities held by the Portfolio and
                     the prices of futures and options on future, (3) there may
                     not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or
                     option, (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be
                     imposed by an exchange, and (5) government regulations may
                     restrict trading in futures contracts and option on
                     futures.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
                     Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be disposed
                     of within seven business days at approximately the price at
                     which they are being carried on the Portfolio's books.
                     Illiquid securities include demand instruments with demand
                     notice periods exceeding seven days, securities for which
                     there is no active secondary market and repurchase
                     agreements with durations (or maturities) over seven days
                     in length.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES
                     Money market securities are high-quality,
                     dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                     consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                     deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                     banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks; (ii) U.S.
                     Treasury Obligations and obligations issued by the agencies
                     and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government; (iii)
                     high-quality commercial paper issued by U.S. and foreign
                     corporations; (iv) debt obligations with a maturity of one
                     year or less issued by corporations that issue high-quality
                     commercial paper; and (v) repurchase agreements involving
                     any of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                     highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
OPTIONS
                     A put option gives the purchase of the option the right to
                     sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy,
                     the underlying security at any time during the option
                     period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the
                     right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation
                     to sell, the underlying security at any time during the
                     option period.
 
                                                                              26
<PAGE>
                     The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for
                     undertaking the obligations under the option contract.
 
                           The Portfolio may purchase and write put and call
                     options on indices and enter into related closing
                     transactions. Put and call options on indices are similar
                     to options on securities except that options on an index
                     give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the
                     option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the
                     underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case
                     of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of
                     cash is equal to the difference between the closing price
                     of the index and the exercise price of the option,
                     expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number.
                     Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all
                     settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price
                     movements in the particular market represented by the index
                     generally, rather than the price movements in individual
                     securities.
 
                           All options written on indices must be covered. When
                     the Portfolio writes an option on an index, it will
                     establish a segregated account containing cash or liquid,
                     high grade debt securities with its Custodian in an amount
                     at least equal to the market value of the option and will
                     maintain the account while the option is open or will
                     otherwise cover the transaction.
 
                           RISK FACTORS:  Risks associated with options
                     transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy
                     may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices
                     of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and
                     movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect
                     correlation between the movement in prices of options and
                     the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a
                     liquid secondary market for option; and (4) while the
                     Portfolio will receive a premium when it writes covered
                     call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the
                     market value of the underlying security.
SECURITIES LENDING
                     In order to generate additional income, the Portfolio may
                     lend its securities pursuant to agreements that require
                     that the loan be continuously secured by collateral
                     consisting of cash or securities of the U.S. Government or
                     its agencies equal to at least 100% of the market value of
                     the loaned securities. The Portfolio continues to receive
                     interest on the loaned securities while simultaneously
                     earning interest on the investment of cash collateral.
                     Collateral is marked to market daily. There may be risks of
                     delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights
                     in the collateral should the borrower of the securities
                     fail financially or become insolvent.
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
                     There are certain risks connected with investing in foreign
                     securities. These include risks of adverse political and
                     economic developments (including possible governmental
                     seizure or nationalization of assets), the possible
                     imposition of exchange controls or other governmental
                     restrictions, less uniformity in accounting and reporting
                     requirements, the possibility that there will be less
                     information on such securities and their issuers available
                     to the public, the difficulty of obtaining or enforcing
                     court judgments abroad, restrictions on foreign investments
                     in other jurisdictions, difficulties in effecting
                     repatriation of capital
 
                                                                              27
<PAGE>
                     invested abroad, and difficulties in transaction
                     settlements and the effect of delay on shareholder equity.
                     Foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, and may
                     be less marketable than comparable U.S. securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY
OBLIGATIONS
                     Obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S.
                     Government, including, among others, the Federal Farm
                     Credit Bank, the Federal Housing Administration and the
                     Small Business Administration, and obligations issued or
                     guaranteed by instrumentalities of the U.S. Government,
                     including, among others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                     Corporation, the Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Postal
                     Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full
                     faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government
                     National Mortgage Association Securities), and others are
                     supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
                     Treasury (e.g., Federal Farm Credit Bank Securities), while
                     still others are supported only by the credit of the
                     instrumentality (e.g., Federal National Mortgage
                     Association Securities).
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
                     U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds
                     issued by the U.S. Treasury, as well as separately traded
                     interest and principal component parts of such obligations
                     known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and
                     Principal Securities ("STRIPS") that are transferable
                     through the Federal book-entry system.
WARRANTS
                     Warrants are instruments giving holders the right, but not
                     the obligation, to buy equity or fixed income securities of
                     a company at a given price during a specified period.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED
DELIVERY SECURITIES
                     When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                     purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                     place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                     securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                     purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                     custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                     securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                     commitments. The interest rate realized on these securities
                     is fixed as of the purchase date, and no interest accrues
                     to the Portfolio before settlement.
 
                     Additional information on permitted investments and risk
                     factors can be found in the Statement of Additional
                     Information.
 
                                                                              28
<PAGE>
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
 
Manager:
 
  SEI Fund Management
 
Distributor:
 
  SEI Financial Services Company
 
Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers:
 
1838 Investment Advisors, L.P.
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
BEA Associates
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
Boatmen's Trust Company
Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P.
First of America Investment Corporation
Firstar Investment Research &
  Management Company
Furman Selz Capital Management LLC
IDS Advisory Group Inc.
LSV Asset Management
Martingale Asset Management, L.P.
Mellon Equity Associates
Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, Inc.
Pacific Alliance Capital Management
Provident Investment Counsel, Inc.
SEI Financial Management Corporation
STI Capital Management, N.A.
Wall Street Associates
Western Asset Management Company
 
    This STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION is not a Prospectus. It is intended
to provide additional information regarding the activities and operations of the
Trust and should be read in conjunction with the Trust's Prospectuses dated
January 31, 1997. Prospectuses may be obtained by writing the Trust's
distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, at Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456, or by
calling 1-800-342-5734.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
The Trust.............................................................................        S-2
Description of Permitted Investments..................................................        S-2
Investment Limitations................................................................       S-10
Description of Ratings................................................................       S-11
The Manager...........................................................................       S-16
The Adviser and Sub-Advisers..........................................................       S-17
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing................................................       S-19
Trustees and Officers of the Trust....................................................       S-20
Performance...........................................................................       S-23
Purchase and Redemption of Shares.....................................................       S-25
Shareholder Services (Class D Shares).................................................       S-26
Taxes.................................................................................       S-27
Portfolio Transactions................................................................       S-29
Description of Shares.................................................................       S-32
Limitation of Trustees' Liability.....................................................       S-33
Voting................................................................................       S-33
Shareholder Liability.................................................................       S-33
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities...................................       S-33
Experts...............................................................................       S-34
Financial Statements..................................................................       S-34
 
January 31, 1997
SEI-F-048-09
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                   THE TRUST
 
    SEI Institutional Managed Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company that offers shares of diversified portfolios. The Trust was
established as a Massachusetts business trust pursuant to a Declaration of Trust
dated October 20, 1986. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer
separate series ("portfolios") of units of beneficial interest ("shares") and
separate classes of portfolios. Shareholders may purchase shares in certain
portfolios through two separate classes, Class A and Class D, which provide for
variations in sales charges, distribution costs, transfer agent fees, voting
rights and dividends. Except for differences between the Class A shares and/or
Class D shares pertaining to sales charges, distribution and shareholder
servicing, voting rights, dividends and transfer agent expenses, each share of
each portfolio represents an equal proportionate interest in that portfolio with
each other share of that portfolio.
 
    This Statement of Additional Information relates to the following
portfolios: Balanced, Bond, Capital Appreciation, Equity Income, High Yield
Bond, Core Fixed Income (formerly, the Limited Volatility Bond Portfolio), Large
Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Mid-Cap (formerly, the Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio),
Small Cap Growth and Small Cap Value Portfolios (each a "Portfolio" and,
together, the "Portfolios"), and any different classes of the Portfolios.
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
 
    ALL PORTFOLIOS MAY INVEST IN THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENTS UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
NOTED OTHERWISE.
 
    AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS ("ADRS")--The Balanced, Capital Appreciation,
Equity Income, High Yield Bond, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value and Small Cap
Value Portfolios may invest in ADRs traded on registered exchanges or on NASDAQ.
The Large Cap Growth Portfolio may also invest in ADRs not traded on an
established exchange. While the Portfolios typically invest in sponsored ADRs,
joint arrangements between the issuer and the depositary, some ADRs may be
unsponsored. Unlike sponsored ADRs, the holders of unsponsored ADRs bear all
expenses and the depositary may not be obligated to distribute shareholder
communications or to pass through the voting rights on the deposited securities.
 
    ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES--The Bond, Core Fixed Income and High Yield Bond
Portfolios may invest in securities backed by automobile, credit-card or other
types of receivables in securities backed by other types of assets. Credit
support for asset-backed securities may be based on the underlying assets and/
or provided by a third party through credit enhancements. Credit enhancement
techniques include letters of credit, insurance bonds, limited guarantees (which
are generally provided by the issuer), senior-subordinated structures and
overcollateralization.
 
    Asset-backed securities are not issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or 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 holders.
 
    The market for asset-backed securities is at a relatively early stage of
development. Accordingly, there may be a limited secondary market for such
securities.
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
    BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES--A bankers' acceptance is a bill of exchange or time
draft drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. It is used by corporations to
finance the shipment and storage of goods and to furnish dollar exchange.
Maturities are generally six months or less.
 
    CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT--A certificate of deposit is a negotiable,
interest-bearing instrument with a specific maturity. Certificates of deposit
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 have penalties for early withdrawal.
 
    COMMERCIAL PAPER--Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured,
short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities.
Maturities on these issues vary from a day to nine months.
 
    CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES--Convertible securities have characteristics similar
to both fixed income and equity securities. Because of the conversion feature,
the market value of convertible securities tends to move together with the
market value of the underlying stock. As a result, a Portfolio's selection of
convertible securities is based, to a great extent, on the potential for capital
appreciation that may exist in the underlying stock. The value of convertible
securities is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of
the issuer and any call provisions. The Bond, Capital Appreciation, Equity
Income, High Yield Bond, Mid-Cap, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Small Cap
Growth and Small Cap Value Portfolios may invest in convertible securities.
 
    FOREIGN SECURITIES--The Balanced, Capital Appreciation, Equity Income, High
Yield Bond, Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Large Cap Growth and Large Cap
Value Portfolios may invest in U.S. dollar denominated obligations or securities
of foreign issuers. In addition, the Bond, Core Fixed Income and High Yield Bond
Portfolios may invest in Yankee Obligations. Permissible investments may consist
of obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks, including
European Certificates of Deposit, European Time Deposits, Canadian Time
Deposits, Yankee Certificates of Deposit and investments in Canadian Commercial
Paper, foreign securities and Europaper. These instruments may subject the
Portfolio to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to
investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. Such 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 the exchange rates, or the adoption of other foreign governmental
restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest
on such obligations. Such 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.
 
    FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS--At the maturity of a forward contract, a
Portfolio may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign
currency, or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation
to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the
same currency trader, obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the
same amount of the foreign currency. A Portfolio may realize a gain or loss from
currency transactions.
 
    LOWER RATED SECURITIES--The High Yield Bond Portfolio will invest in
lower-rated bonds commonly referred to as "junk bonds" or high-yield/high-risk
securities. Lower rated securities are defined as securities below the fourth
highest rating category by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO"). Such obligations are speculative and may be in default.
There is no bottom limit on the ratings of high-yield securities that may be
purchased or held by the Portfolio. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in
unrated securities subject to the restrictions stated in the Prospectus.
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
    CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELATING TO HIGH-YIELD, HIGH-RISK SECURITIES.  The
descriptions below are intended to supplement the discussion in the Prospectus
under "Risk Factors."
 
    GROWTH OF HIGH-YIELD BOND, HIGH-RISK BOND MARKET.  The widespread expansion
of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the
corporate sector more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest
rates. Further, an economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for lower
rated bonds and adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and the ability
of the issuers to repay principal and interest.
 
    SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATE AND ECONOMIC CHANGES.  Lower rated bonds are
very sensitive to adverse economic changes and corporate developments. During an
economic down turn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly
leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect
their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to
meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer
of a bond defaulted on its obligations to pay interest or principal or entered
into bankruptcy proceedings, the Portfolio may incur losses or expenses in
seeking recovery of amounts owed to it. In addition, periods of economic
uncertainty and change can be expected to result in increased volatility of
market prices of high-yield, high-risk bonds and the Portfolio's net asset
value.
 
    PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS.  High-yield, high-risk bonds may contain redemption or
call provisions. If an issuer exercised these provisions in a declining interest
rate market, the Portfolio would have to replace the security with a lower
yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a
high-yield, high-risk bond's value will decrease in a rising interest rate
market, as will the value of the Portfolio's assets. If the Portfolio
experiences significant unexpected net redemptions, this may force it to sell
high-yield, high-risk bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby
decreasing the asset base upon which expenses can be spread and possibly
reducing the Portfolio's rate of return.
 
    LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION.  There may be little trading in the secondary
market for particular bonds, which may affect adversely the Portfolio's ability
to value accurately or dispose of such bonds. Adverse publicity and investor
perception, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the
values and liquidity of high-yield, high-risk bonds, especially in a thin
market.
 
    LEGISLATION.  Federal laws require the divestiture by federally insured
savings and loan associations of their investments in lower rated bonds and
limit the deductibility of interest by certain corporate issuers of high-yield
bonds. These laws could adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value and
investment practices, the secondary market for high-yield securities, the
financial condition of issuers of these securities and the value of outstanding
high-yield securities.
 
    TAXES.  The Portfolio may purchase debt securities (such as zero-coupon or
pay-in-kind securities) that contain original issue discount. Original issue
discount that accrues in a taxable year is treated as earned by a Portfolio and
therefore is subject to the distribution requirements of the tax code. Because
the original issue discount earned by the Portfolio in a taxable year may not be
represented by cash income, the Portfolio may have to dispose of other
securities and use the proceeds to make distributions to shareholders.
 
    MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES--The Balanced, Bond, Core Fixed Income, and High
Yield Bond Portfolios may, consistent with their respective investment
objectives and policies, invest in mortgage-backed securities.
 
    Mortgage-backed securities in which the Portfolios may invest represent
pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to investors by various governmental
agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") and
government-related organizations such as the Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"),
as well as by non-governmental issuers such as commercial banks, savings and
loan institutions, mortgage
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
bankers, and private mortgage insurance companies. Although certain
mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed by a third party or otherwise
similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may fluctuate, is not
so secured. If a Portfolio purchases a mortgage-backed security at a premium,
that portion may be lost if there is a decline in the market value of the
security whether resulting from changes in interest rates or prepayments in the
underlying mortgage collateral. As with other interest-bearing securities, the
prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates.
However, though the value of a mortgage-backed security may decline when
interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true since in periods of
declining interest rates the mortgages underlying the securities are prone to
prepayment. When the mortgage-backed securities held by a Portfolio are prepaid,
the Portfolio must reinvest the proceeds in securities the yield of which
reflects prevailing interest rates, which may be lower than the prepaid
security. For this and other reasons, a mortgage-backed security's stated
maturity may be shortened by unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages
and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately the security's return
to a Portfolio. In addition, regular payments received in respect of
mortgage-backed securities include both interest and principal. No assurance can
be given as to the return a Portfolio will receive when these amounts are
reinvested.
 
    A Portfolio may also invest in mortgage-backed securities that are
collateralized mortgage obligations structured on pools of mortgage pass-through
certificates or mortgage loans. For purposes of determining the average maturity
of a mortgage-backed security in its investment portfolio, the Core Fixed Income
Portfolio will utilize the expected average life of the security, as estimated
in good faith by the Portfolio's advisers. Unlike most single family residential
mortgages, commercial real estate property loans often contain provisions which
substantially reduce the likelihood that such securities will be prepaid. The
provisions generally impose significant prepayment penalties on loans and, in
some cases there may be prohibitions on principal prepayments for several years
following origination.
 
    There are a number of important differences among the agencies and
instrumentalities of the U.S. Government that issue mortgage-backed securities
and among the securities that they issue. Mortgage-backed securities issued by
the GNMA include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Ginnie
Maes") that are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by
GNMA and are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. GNMA is a
wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and
Urban Development. GNMA certificates also are supported by the authority of GNMA
to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under its guarantee.
Mortgage-backed securities issued by the FNMA include FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage
Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Fannie Maes") that are solely the
obligations of the FNMA and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and
credit of the United States. The FNMA is a government-sponsored organization
owned entirely by private stockholders. Fannie Maes are guaranteed as to timely
payment of the principal and interest by FNMA. Mortgage-backed securities issued
by the FHLMC include FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates (also known as
"Freddie Macs" or "PC's"). The FHLMC is a corporate instrumentality of the
United States, created pursuant to an Act of Congress, which is owned entirely
by Federal Home Loan Banks. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the United States
or by any Federal Home Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of
the United States or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the
holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by the FHLMC. The
FHLMC guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal
payments on the underlying mortgage loans. When the FHLMC does not guarantee
timely payment of principal, FHLMC may remit the amount due on account of its
guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an
underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes
payable. For FHLMC REMIC Certificates, FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of
interest, and also guarantees the payment of principal as payments are required
to be made on the underlying mortgage participation certificates. FNMA REMIC
Certificates are issued and guaranteed as to timely distribution of principal
and interest by FNMA.
 
    MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS--Mortgage dollar rolls may be renewed prior to cash
settlement and initially may involve only a firm commitment agreement by the
Portfolio to buy a security. If the broker-
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
dealer to whom the Portfolio sells the security becomes insolvent, the
Portfolio's right to repurchase the security may be restricted. Other risks
involved in entering into mortgage dollar rolls include the risk that the value
of the security may change adversely over the term of the mortgage dollar roll
and that the security the Portfolio is required to repurchase may be worth less
than the security that the Portfolio originally held.
 
    MUNICIPAL SECURITIES--The Core Fixed Income Portfolio may invest in
municipal securities. The two principal classifications of Municipal Securities
are "general obligation" and "revenue" issues. General obligation issues are
issues involving the credit of an issuer possessing taxing power and are payable
from the issuer's general unrestricted revenues, although the characteristics
and method of enforcement of general obligation issues may vary according to the
law applicable to the particular issuer. Revenue issues are payable only from
the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or other
specific revenue source. A Portfolio may also invest in "moral obligation"
issues, which are normally issued by special purpose authorities. Moral
obligation issues are not backed by the full faith and credit of the state and
are generally backed by the agreement of the issuing authority to request
appropriations from the state legislative body. Municipal Securities include
debt obligations issued by governmental entities to obtain funds for various
public purposes, such as the construction of a wide range of public facilities,
the refunding of outstanding obligations, the payment of general operating
expenses, and the extension of loans to other public institutions and
facilities. Certain private activity bonds that are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to finance various privately-owned or operated facilities are
included within the term "Municipal Securities." Private activity bonds and
industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds, the credit and quality
of which are directly related to the credit of the private user of the
facilities.
 
    Municipal Securities may also include general obligation notes, tax
anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, project
notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes, tax-exempt commercial paper,
construction loan notes and other forms of short-term, tax-exempt loans. Such
instruments are issued with a short-term maturity in anticipation of the receipt
of tax funds, the proceeds of bond placements or other revenues. Project notes
are issued by a state or local housing agency and are sold by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development. While the issuing agency has the primary
obligation with respect to its project notes, they are also secured by the full
faith and credit of the United States through agreements with the issuing
authority which provide that, if required, the federal government will lend the
issuer an amount equal to the principal of and interest on the project notes.
 
    The quality of Municipal Securities, both within a particular classification
and between classifications, will vary, and the yields on Municipal Securities
depend upon a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, the
financial condition of the issuer (or other entity whose financial resources are
supporting the securities), general conditions of the municipal bond market, the
size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating(s)
of the issue. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the ratings of any
NRSRO are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Municipal
Securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating(s) may have
different yields, while Municipal Securities of the same maturity and interest
rate with different rating(s) may have the same yield.
 
    An issuer's obligations under its Municipal Securities are subject to the
provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any,
which may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for
payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon
the enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to
levy taxes. The power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the
payment of interest on and principal of its Municipal Securities may be
materially adversely affected by litigation or other conditions.
 
    MUNICIPAL LEASES--The Core Fixed Income Portfolio may invest in instruments,
or participations in instruments, issued in connection with lease obligations or
installment purchase contract obligations of municipalities ("municipal lease
obligations"). Although municipal lease obligations do not constitute
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
general obligations of the issuing municipality, a lease obligation is
ordinarily backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate
funds for, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However,
certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses, which provide
that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase
payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose in the
relevant years. Municipal lease obligations are a relatively new form of
financing, and the market for such obligations is still developing. Municipal
leases will be treated as liquid only if they satisfy criteria set forth in
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and there can be no assurance
that a market will exist or continue to exist for any municipal lease
obligation.
 
    PAY-IN-KIND BONDS--Investments of the Bond, Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Bond Portfolios in fixed-income securities may include pay-in-kind bonds. These
are securities which, at the issuer's option, pay interest in either cash or
additional securities for a specified period. Pay-in-kind bonds, like zero
coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow.
Pay-in-kind bonds are expected to reflect the market value of the underlying
debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last payment.
Pay-in-kind bonds are usually less volatile than zero coupon bonds, but more
volatile than cash pay securities.
 
    OPTIONS--Options are contracts that give one of the parties to the contract
the right to buy or sell the security that is subject to the option at a stated
price during the option period, and obligates the other party to the contract to
buy or sell such security at the stated price during the option period.
 
    Each Portfolio may trade put and call options on securities and securities
indices, as the advisers determine is appropriate in seeking the Portfolio's
investment objective, and except as restricted by each Portfolio's investment
limitations as set forth below. See "Investment Limitations."
 
    A put option gives the purchaser (a Portfolio) the right to sell, and
imposes on the writer an obligation to buy, the underlying security at the
exercise price during the option period. The advantage to a Portfolio of buying
the protective put is that if the price of the security falls during the option
period, the Portfolio may exercise the put and receive the higher price for the
security. However, if the security rises in value, the Portfolio will have paid
a premium for the put, which will expire unexercised.
 
    A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy and imposes on the writer
(a Portfolio) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the exercise
price during the option period. The advantage to a Portfolio of writing covered
call options is that the Portfolio receives a premium, which is additional
income. However, if the security rises in value, the Portfolio 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. A Portfolio's obligation as the
writer of a covered call is terminated upon the expiration of the option period
or at such earlier time in which the writer effects a closing purchase
transaction. As noted above, a closing purchase transaction is one in which a
Portfolio, 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.
 
    A Portfolio may purchase and write options on an exchange or
over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options ("OTC options") differ from
exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with
dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of
non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety
of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than
are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on
an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market
maker. It is the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission that OTC
options are generally illiquid.
 
    The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an
underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include
supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying
security and the time remaining until the expiration date.
 
                                      S-7
<PAGE>
    RECEIPTS--Receipts are interests in separately traded interest and principal
component parts of U.S. Government obligations that are issued by banks or
brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. Government obligations into a
special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and
principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates
or 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"),
"Liquid Yield Option Notes" ("LYONs") and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
Securities" ("CATS"). LYONs, TIGRs and CATS are interests in private proprietary
accounts while TRs and STRIPS (See "U.S. Treasury Obligations") are interests in
accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon
securities; see "Zero Coupon Securities." The Bond, Capital Appreciation, Core
Fixed Income, Equity Income, and Large Cap Value Portfolios may invest in
receipts.
 
    REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Repurchase agreements are agreements under which
securities are acquired from a securities dealer or bank subject to resale on an
agreed upon date and at an agreed upon price which includes principal and
interest. A Portfolio involved bears a risk of loss in the event that the other
party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and a Portfolio is
delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral
securities. An adviser enters into repurchase agreements only with financial
institutions that it deems to present minimal risk of bankruptcy during the term
of the agreement, based on guidelines that are periodically reviewed by the
Board of Trustees. These guidelines currently permit each Portfolio to enter
into repurchase agreements only with approved banks and primary securities
dealers, as recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which have
minimum net capital of $100 million, or with a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans collateralized
by the underlying security. Repurchase agreements entered into by a Portfolio
will provide that the underlying security at all times shall have a value at
least equal to 102% of the price stated in the agreement. This underlying
security will be marked to market daily. The advisers will monitor compliance
with this requirement. Under all repurchase agreements entered into by a
Portfolio, the Custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying
collateral. However, if the seller defaults, a Portfolio could realize a loss on
the sale of the underlying security to the extent the proceeds of the sale are
less than the resale price. 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 Portfolio may incur delay
and costs in selling the security and may suffer a loss of principal and
interest if the Portfolio is treated as an unsecured creditor.
 
    RESTRICTED SECURITIES--Restricted securities are securities that may not be
sold freely to the public absent registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "1933 Act"), or an exemption from registration. Section 4(2)
commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under
Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act, and is generally sold to institutional investors
who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an
exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or
investment dealers who make a market on such commercial paper. Rule 144A
securities are securities re-sold in reliance on an exemption from registration
provided by Rule 144A under the 1933 Act.
 
    SECURITIES LENDING--Loans are made only to borrowers deemed by the advisers
to be in good standing and when, in the judgment of the advisers, the
consideration that can be earned currently from such loaned securities justifies
the attendant risk. Any loan may be terminated by either party upon reasonable
notice to the other party. Each of the Portfolios may use the Distributor as a
broker in these transactions.
 
    TIME DEPOSITS--Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in
exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a
specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be
traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty are
considered to be illiquid securities.
 
                                      S-8
<PAGE>
    U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS--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 on the obligation
prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest
do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the
Portfolios' shares.
 
    VARIABLE OR FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS--Variable or floating rate instruments
may involve a demand feature and may include variable amount master demand notes
available through the Custodian. Variable or floating rate instruments bear
interest at a rate which varies with changes in market rates. The holder of an
instrument with a demand feature may tender the instrument back to the issuer at
par prior to maturity. A variable amount master demand note is issued pursuant
to a written agreement between the issuer and the holder, its amount may be
increased by the holder or decreased by the holder or issuer, it is payable on
demand, and the rate of interest varies based upon an agreed formula. The
quality of the underlying credit must, in the opinion of a Portfolio's advisers,
be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper ratings applicable to
permitted investments for each Portfolio. Each Portfolio's advisers 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. 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.
 
    In case of obligations which include a put feature at the option of the debt
holder, the date of the put may be used as an effective maturity date for the
purpose of determining weighted average portfolio maturity.
 
    WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES--When-Issued securities are securities that involve
the purchase of debt obligations on a when-issued basis, in which case delivery
and payment normally take place within 45 days after the date of commitment to
purchase. A Portfolio will only make commitments to purchase obligations on a
when-issued basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but
may sell them before the settlement date. The when-issued securities are subject
to market fluctuation, and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this
period. It is possible that the market value at the time of settlement could be
higher or lower than the purchase price if the general level of interest rates
has changed. 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 when-issued obligations results in 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. A Portfolio
will establish a segregated account with the Custodian and maintain liquid
assets in an amount at least equal in value to that Portfolio's commitments to
purchase when-issued securities. If the value of these assets declines, the
Portfolio involved 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.
 
    YANKEE OBLIGATIONS--Some securities issued by foreign governments or their
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith
and credit of the foreign government. Yankee obligations as obligations of
foreign issuers, are subject to the same types of risks discussed in "Securities
of Foreign Issuers," above.
 
    The yankee obligations selected for the Portfolios will adhere to the same
quality standards as those utilized for the selection of domestic debt
obligations.
 
    ZERO COUPON SECURITIES--STRIPS and Receipts (TRs, TIGRs, LYONs and CATS) are
sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been
stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at
a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity
date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this
discount is
 
                                      S-9
<PAGE>
accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income
earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these
features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more
volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but
that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to
a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities
with similar maturity and credit qualities. The Portfolio may have to dispose of
its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash,
or may have to leverage itself by borrowing cash to satisfy income distribution
requirements. A Portfolio accrues income with respect to the securities prior to
the receipt of cash payments. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have
interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Deferred payment
securities are securities that remain zero coupon securities until a
predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and
interest becomes payable at regular intervals. See also "Taxes."
 
    CORPORATE ZERO COUPON SECURITIES--Corporate zero coupon securities are: (i)
notes or debentures which do not pay current interest and are issued at
substantial discounts from par value, or (ii) notes or debentures that pay no
current interest until a stated date one or more years into the future, after
which date the issuer is obligated to pay interest until maturity, usually at a
higher rate than if interest were payable from the date of issuance, and may
also make interest payments in kind (E.G., with identical zero coupon
securities). Such corporate zero coupon securities, in addition to the risks
identified above, are subject to the risk of the issuer's failure to pay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
 
                             INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
 
FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
 
No Portfolio may:
 
1.  Borrow money in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total
    assets, provided that, for purposes of this limitation, investment
    strategies which either obligate a Portfolio to purchase securities or
    require a Portfolio to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings.
    To the extent that its borrowings exceed 5% of its assets, (i) all
    borrowings will be repaid before making additional investments and any
    interest paid on such borrowings will reduce income; and (ii) asset coverage
    of at least 300% is required.
 
2.  Make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be
    loaned to other parties, except that each Portfolio may (i) purchase or hold
    debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies;
    (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; and (iii) lend its securities.
 
3.  Purchase or sell real estate, physical commodities, or commodities
    contracts, except that each Portfolio may purchase (i) marketable securities
    issued by companies which own or invest in real estate (including real
    estate investment trusts), commodities, or commodities contracts; and (ii)
    commodities contracts relating to financial instruments, such as financial
    futures contracts and options on such contracts.
 
4.  Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) except as permitted by
    rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
    "SEC").
 
5.  Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except as it may be
    deemed an underwriter in selling a portfolio security.
 
6.  Invest in interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development
    programs and oil, gas or mineral leases.
 
    The foregoing percentages will apply at the time of the purchase of a
security and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency
occurs immediately after or as a result of a purchase of
 
                                      S-10
<PAGE>
such security. These investment limitations and the investment limitations in
each Prospectus are fundamental policies of the Trust and may not be changed
without shareholder approval.
 
NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
No Portfolio may:
 
1.  Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets except to secure borrowings permitted
    by the Portfolio's fundamental limitation on borrowing.
 
2.  Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
 
3.  Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that each
    Portfolio may (i) obtain short-term credits as necessary for the clearance
    of security transactions; (ii) provide initial and variation margin payments
    in connection with transactions involving futures contracts and options on
    such contracts; and (iii) make short sales "against the box" or in
    compliance with the SEC's position regarding the asset segregation
    requirements imposed by Section 18 of the 1940 Act.
 
4.  Invest its assets in securities of any investment company, except as
    permitted by the 1940 Act or an order of exemption therefrom.
 
5.  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.
 
6.  Purchase securities which are not readily marketable, if, in the aggregate,
    more than 15% of its total assets would be invested in such securities.
 
    Under rules and regulations established by the SEC, a Portfolio is typically
prohibited from acquiring the securities of other investment companies if, as a
result of such acquisition, the Portfolio owns more than 3% of the total voting
stock of the company; securities issued by any one investment company represent
more than 5% of the total Portfolio's assets; or securities (other than treasury
stock) issued by all investment companies represent more than 10% of the total
assets of the Portfolio. However, certain Portfolios may rely upon SEC exemptive
orders issued to the Trust which permit the Portfolios to invest in other
investment companies beyond these percentage limitations. A Portfolio's purchase
of such investment company securities results in the bearing of expenses such
that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating
expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees.
 
    Each of the foregoing percentage limitations (except with respect to the
limitation on investing in illiquid securities) apply at the time of purchase.
These limitations are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trust's Board of
Trustees without a vote of shareholders.
 
                             DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
 
DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
 
    The following descriptions of corporate bond ratings have been published by
Moody's Investor's Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard and Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), Duff and Phelps, Inc. ("Duff"), Fitch Investor's Services, Inc.
("Fitch"), IBCA Limited ("IBCA") and Thomson BankWatch ("Thomson"),
respectively.
 
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S LONG-TERM RATINGS
 
   Aaa Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.They carry the
   smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
   edged". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
   stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements
   are likely to
 
                                      S-11
<PAGE>
   change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
   fundamentally strong position of such issues.
 
    Aa Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
    Together with the Aaa group 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 risk appear somewhat larger than
    the Aaa securities.
 
    A Bonds 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 some time in the future.
 
    Baa Bonds 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.
 
DESCRIPTION OF S&P'S LONG-TERM RATINGS
 
INVESTMENT GRADE
 
AAA  Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
     interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
AA   Debt rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
     principal and differs from the highest rated debt only in small degree.
 
A    Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
     although it is somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects of changes in
     circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
 
BBB  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.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUFF'S LONG-TERM RATINGS
 
AAA  Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
     slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
AA+ High credit quality. Protection factors are strong.
 
AA- Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic
     conditions.
 
A+  Protection factors are average but adequate. However,
 
A-  risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
 
BBB+ Below average protection factors but still considered
 
BBB- sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
     economic cycles.
 
                                      S-12
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S LONG-TERM RATINGS
 
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
 
AAA  Bonds rated AAA are judged to be strictly high grade, broadly marketable,
     suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions liable to
     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 greater than interest requirements, with such stability of applicable
     earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes occur
     in conditions.
 
AA   Bonds rated AA are judged 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.
 
A    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.
 
BBB  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.
 
DESCRIPTION OF IBCA'S LONG-TERM RATINGS
 
AAA  Obligations rated AAA have the lowest expectation of investment risk.
     Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is substantial,
     such that adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions are
     unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
AA   Obligations for which there is a very low expectation of investment risk
     are rated AA. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic or financial conditions
     may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
A    Bonds rated A are obligations for which there is a low expectation of
     investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and interest is
     strong, although adverse changes in business, economic or financial
     conditions may lead to increased investment risk.
 
BBB  Bonds rated BBB are obligations for which there is currently a low
     expectation of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal
     and interest is adequate, although adverse changes in business, economic or
     financial conditions are more likely to lead to increased investment risk
     than for obligations in other categories.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THOMSON'S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS
 
INVESTMENT GRADE
 
AAA  Bonds rated AAA indicate that the ability to repay principal and interest
     on a timely basis is very high.
 
AA   Bonds rated AA indicate a superior ability to repay principal and interest
     on a timely basis, with limited incremental risk compared to issues rated
     in the highest category.
 
                                      S-13
<PAGE>
A    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.
 
BBB  Bonds rated BBB 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.
 
DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
    The following descriptions of commercial paper ratings have been published
by Moody's, Standard and Poor's, Duff and Phelps, Fitch, IBCA and Thomson
BankWatch, respectively.
 
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
 
    PRIME-1  Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) 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.
 
    PRIME-2  Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
    ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will
    normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a
    lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more
    subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still
    appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate
    liquidity is maintained.
 
S&P'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
A-1        This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment
           is strong. Debt determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics is
           denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
 
A-2        Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory.
           However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated
           'A-1'.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUFF'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
 
Duff 1+    Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity, including internal
           operating factors and/or access to alternative sources of funds, is outstanding,
           and safety is just below risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations.
 
Duff 1     Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and
           supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are minor.
 
Duff 1-    High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and supported by
           good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
    GOOD GRADE
 
Duff 2     Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company fundamentals are
           sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements,
           access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are small.
 
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
 
F-1+       Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as
           having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
 
F-1        Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of
           timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated 'F-1+'
 
F-2        Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of
           assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for
           issues assigned 'F-1+' and 'F-1' ratings.
 
LOC        The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of credit issued by
           a commercial bank.
 
DESCRIPTION OF IBCA'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS (UP TO 12 MONTHS)
 
A1+        Obligations supported by the highest capacity for timely repayment.
 
A1         Obligations supported by a strong capacity for timely repayment.
 
A2         Obligations supported by a satisfactory capacity for timely repayment, although
           such capacity may be susceptible to adverse changes in business, economic, or
           financial conditions.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THOMSON'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
 
TBW-1      The highest category; indicates a very high likelihood that principal and interest
           will be paid on a timely basis.
 
TBW-2      The second-highest category; while the degree of safety regarding timely repayment
           of principal and interest is strong, the relative degree of safety is not as high
           as for issues rated "TBW-1".
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-15
<PAGE>
                                  THE MANAGER
 
    The Management Agreement provides that SEI Fund Management ("SEI Management"
or the "Manager") 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 Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of SEI Management in the
performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and
obligations thereunder.
 
    The continuance of the Management Agreement must be specifically approved at
least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, and (ii) by the
vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the
Management Agreement or an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the
1940 Act) of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. The Management Agreement is terminable at
any time as to any Portfolio without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust, by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio or by SEI
Management on not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' written notice.
 
    SEI Management, a Delaware business trust, has its principal business
offices at Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. SEI Financial Management Corporation
("SFM"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI"), is the
owner of all beneficial interest in SEI Management. Alfred P. West, Jr., Carmen
V. Romeo, and Henry H. Greer constitute the Board of Directors of SFM, the
Investment Advisor to the Portfolios. Mr. West serves as Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of SFM and SEI, Mr. Greer serves as
President and Chief Operating Officer of SFM and SEI, and Chief Financial
Officer of SEI, and Mr. Romeo serves as Executive Vice President and Treasurer
of SEI. SEI and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including SEI Management, are
leading providers of funds evaluation services, trust accounting systems, and
brokerage and information services to financial institutions, institutional
investors, and money managers. SEI Management and its affiliates also serve as
administrator to the following other mutual funds: The Achievement Funds Trust,
The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, The Arbor Fund, ARK Funds, Bishop Street Funds,
CoreFunds, Inc., CrestFunds, Inc., CUFUND, FMB Funds, Inc., First American
Funds, Inc., First American Investment Funds, Inc., First American Strategy
Funds, Inc., Marquis Funds-Registered Trademark-, Monitor Funds, Morgan Grenfell
Investment Trust, The PBHG Funds, Inc., The Pillar Funds, Profit Funds
Investment Trust, Rembrandt Funds-Registered Trademark-, Santa Barbara Group of
Mutual Funds, Inc., 1784 Funds-Registered Trademark-, SEI Asset Allocation
Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Institutional Investments
Trust, SEI International Trust, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust,
Stepstone Funds, STI Classic Funds, STI Classic Variable Trust, and Turner
Funds.
 
    If operating expenses of any Portfolio exceed applicable limitations, SEI
Management will pay such excess. SEI Management will not be required to bear
expenses of any Portfolio to an extent which would result in the Portfolio's
inability to qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code. The term "expenses" is defined in such laws or
regulations, and generally excludes brokerage commissions, distribution
expenses, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses.
 
                                      S-16
<PAGE>
    For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Portfolios
paid fees to the Manager as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MANAGEMENT FEES PAID    MANAGEMENT FEES
                                                    (000)              WAIVED (000)
                                            ----------------------  ------------------
                                             1994    1995    1996   1994  1995   1996
                                            ------  ------  ------  ----  ----  ------
<S>                                         <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>   <C>
Balanced Portfolio........................  $  173  $  210  $  171  $ 82  $105  $   55
Bond Portfolio............................  $  337  $  223  $   64  $131  $125  $   57
Capital Appreciation Portfolio............  $3,649  $2,042  $  898  $377  $212  $   28
Core Fixed Income Portfolio...............  $1,031  $1,154  $1,266  $297  $478  $  339
Equity Income Portfolio...................  $1,801  $1,303  $  780  $149  $197  $   40
High Yield Bond Portfolio.................    *     $   16  $  160   *    $ 18  $   42
Large Cap Growth Portfolio................    *     $  444  $1,484   *    $  0  $    0
Large Cap Value Portfolio.................  $  799  $  637  $1,598  $  0  $112  $    0
Mid-Cap Portfolio.........................  $  329  $  189  $   58  $115  $ 79  $   28
Small Cap Growth Portfolio................  $1,023  $1,267  $1,102  $259  $102  $   27
Small Cap Value Portfolio.................    *     $  156  $  490   *    $  6  $   11
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Not in operation during such period.
 
                         THE ADVISERS AND SUB-ADVISERS
 
    The Advisory Agreement and certain of the Sub-Advisory Agreements provide
that SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM" or the "Adviser") (or any
Sub-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. In addition, certain of the Sub-Advisory
Agreements provide that the Sub-Adviser shall not be protected against any
liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith or negligence on its part in the performance of its duties, or from
reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.
 
    The continuance of each Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreement must be
specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of that Portfolio or by the Trustees, and (ii) by the vote of
a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to such Agreement or "interested
persons" of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. Each Advisory or Sub-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 a
Portfolio, by a majority of the outstanding shares of that Portfolio, on not
less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' written notice to the Adviser (or
Sub-Adviser) or by the Adviser (or Sub-Adviser) on 90 days' written notice to
the Trust.
 
    SFM has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits SFM, with the
approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees, to retain unaffiliated sub-advisers
for a Portfolio without submitting the sub-advisory agreement to a vote of the
Portfolio's shareholders. The exemptive relief permits the non-disclosure of
amounts payable by SFM under such sub-advisory agreements. The Trust will notify
shareholders in the event of any change in the identity of the sub-adviser for a
Portfolio.
 
                                      S-17
<PAGE>
    For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Portfolios
paid advisory fees as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ADVISORY FEES PAID      ADVISORY FEES
                                                            (000)              WAIVED (000)
                                                    ----------------------  ------------------
                                                     1994    1995   1996(1) 1994   1995   1996
                                                    ------  ------  ------  ----   ----   ----
<S>                                                 <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Balanced Portfolio................................  $  127  $  193  $  253  $ 0    $ 0    $  6
Bond Portfolio....................................  $  133  $  127  $  119  $ 0    $ 0    $  0
Capital Appreciation Portfolio....................  $2,016  $1,291  $1,033  $ 0    $ 0    $ 25
Core Fixed Income Portfolio.......................  $  386  $  474  $1,424  $ 0    $ 0    $  0
Equity Income Portfolio...........................  $  900  $  883  $  915  $75    $ 0    $ 22
High Yield Bond Portfolio.........................    *     $   31  $  282   *     $ 0    $  0
Mid-Cap Portfolio.................................  $  400  $  235  $   98  $ 0    $ 0    $  0
Large Cap Growth Portfolio........................    *     $  449  $1,498   *     $58    $198
Large Cap Value Portfolio.........................  $  320  $  645  $1,598  $ 0    $ 0    $  0
Small Cap Growth Portfolio........................  $1,282  $1,493  $2,098  $ 0    $ 0    $  0
Small Cap Value Portfolio.........................    *     $  299  $  930   *     $ 1    $  0
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
 *  Not in operation during such period.
 
(1) Includes amounts paid to the Portfolios' sub-advisers under the former
    investment advisory agreements.
 
    For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, SFM paid
sub-advisory fees as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SUB-ADVISORY FEES   SUB-ADVISORY FEES
                                                        PAID (000)          WAIVED (000)
                                                    -------------------  ------------------
                                                    1994   1995   1996   1994   1995   1996
                                                    ----   ----  ------  ----   ----   ----
<S>                                                 <C>    <C>   <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Balanced Portfolio................................   *     $ 39  $  157   *      $0     $ 0
Bond Portfolio....................................   *     $ 16  $   54   *      $0     $ 0
Capital Appreciation Portfolio....................   *     $181  $  621   *      $0     $ 0
Core Fixed Income Portfolio.......................   *     N/A   $  614   *      $0     $ 0
Equity Income Portfolio...........................   *     $146  $  548   *      $0     $ 0
High Yield Bond Portfolio.........................   *     $ 16  $  195   *      $0     $ 0
Large Cap Growth Portfolio........................   *     $260  $  832   *      $0     $ 0
Large Cap Value Portfolio.........................   *     $346  $  894   *      $0     $ 0
Mid-Cap Portfolio.................................   *     $  9  $   62   *      $0     $ 0
Small Cap Growth Portfolio........................   *     $205  $1,574   *      $0     $ 0
Small Cap Value Portfolio.........................   *     $240  $  595   *      $0     $ 0
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
  * Not applicable during such period.
 
                                      S-18
<PAGE>
                     DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
 
    The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan for the Class D shares of the
Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the "Plan") in accordance with the provisions of
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (which regulates circumstances under which an
investment company may directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the
distribution of its shares). In this regard, the Board of Trustees has
determined that the Plan and the Distribution Agreement are in the best
interests of the shareholders. Continuance of the Plan must be approved annually
by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and by a majority of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940
Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of a
distribution plan or in any agreements related thereto ("Qualified Trustees").
The Plan requires that quarterly written reports of amounts spent under the Plan
and the purposes of such expenditures be furnished to and reviewed by the
Trustees. The 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 Portfolio or class affected. All material amendments of the Plan will
require approval by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and of the Qualified
Trustees.
 
    The Plan adopted by the Class D shareholders provides that the Trust will
pay the Distributor a fee of up to .30% of the average daily net assets of the
Small Cap Growth Portfolio's Class D shares which the Distributor can use to
compensate broker-dealers and service providers, including SEI Financial
Services Company and its affiliates which provide distribution related services
to Class D shareholders or their customers who beneficially own Class D shares.
 
    The distribution-related services that may be provided under the Plan
include establishing and maintaining customer accounts and records; aggregating
and processing purchase and redemption 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.
 
    Except to the extent that SEI Management (as Manager), SFM and the
Portfolio's advisers benefitted through increased fees from an increase in the
net assets of the Trust which may have resulted in part from the expenditures,
no interested person of the Trust nor any Trustee of the Trust who is not an
interested person of the Trust had a direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or related agreements.
 
    The Portfolios have also adopted a shareholder servicing plan for their
Class A shares (the "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.
 
    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
 
                                      S-19
<PAGE>
shareholder services, the Trust may be required to alter materially or
discontinue its arrangements with such financial institutions.
 
    For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the Portfolios incurred the
following distribution expenses:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AMOUNT PAID
                                                                  TO 3RD                                 PROSPECTUS
                                                                PARTIES BY                              PRINTING AND
                                                                  SFS FOR                                 MAILING
                                                                DISTRIBUTOR                              COSTS (NEW
                                                                  RELATED       SALES                   SHAREHOLDERS
                                                      TOTAL      SERVICES     EXPENSES    ADVERTISING      ONLY)
PORTFOLIO/CLASS                                     ($AMOUNT)    ($AMOUNT)    ($AMOUNT)    ($AMOUNT)     ($AMOUNT)
- --------------------------------------------------  ---------   -----------   ---------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS A
  Balanced Portfolio..............................  $ 30,224      --          $  9,662      --            $12,942
  Bond Portfolio..................................  $ 39,285      --          $  5,559      --            $20,495
  Capital Appreciation Portfolio..................  $129,001      --          $ 25,786      --            $45,823
  Core Fixed Income Portfolio.....................  $157,948      --          $ 60,160      --            $53,141
  Equity Income Portfolio.........................  $116,540      --          $ 45,746      --            $32,918
  High Yield Bond Portfolio.......................  $ 10,954      --          $  4,296      --            $ 5,330
  Large Cap Growth Portfolio......................  $139,815      --          $101,225      --            $21,960
  Large Cap Value Portfolio.......................  $150,072      --          $ 93,221      --            $28,494
  Mid-Cap Portfolio...............................  $ 15,889      --          $  1,424      --            $ 7,395
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio......................  $131,739      --          $ 65,842      --            $30,540
  Small Cap Value Portfolio.......................  $ 53,161      --          $ 31,114      --            $15,602
CLASS D
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio......................  $  3,375      --          $  3,146      --            $   106
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                    COSTS ASSOCIATED
                                                    WITH REGISTRATION
PORTFOLIO/CLASS                                      FEES ($AMOUNT)
- --------------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                 <C>
CLASS A
  Balanced Portfolio..............................  $    7,620
  Bond Portfolio..................................  $   13,231
  Capital Appreciation Portfolio..................  $   57,392
  Core Fixed Income Portfolio.....................  $   44,647
  Equity Income Portfolio.........................  $   37,876
  High Yield Bond Portfolio.......................  $    1,328
  Large Cap Growth Portfolio......................  $   16,630
  Large Cap Value Portfolio.......................  $   28,357
  Mid-Cap Portfolio...............................  $    7,070
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio......................  $   35,357
  Small Cap Value Portfolio.......................  $    6,445
CLASS D
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio......................  $      123
</TABLE>
 
                       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
 
    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 of some or all of the following:
The Achievement Funds Trust, The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, The Arbor Fund,
ARK Funds, Bishop Street Funds, CoreFunds, Inc., CrestFunds, Inc., CUFUND, FMB
Funds, Inc., First American Funds, Inc., First American Investment Funds, Inc.,
First American Strategy Funds, Inc., Marquis Funds-Registered Trademark-,
Monitor Funds, Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust, The PBHG Funds, Inc., The
Pillar Funds, Profit Funds Investment Trust, Rembrandt
Funds-Registered Trademark-, Santa Barbara Group of Mutual Funds, Inc., 1784
Funds-Registered Trademark-, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust,
SEI Index Funds, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI International Trust,
SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Stepstone Funds, STI Classic
Funds, STI Classic Variable Trust and Turner Funds, each of which is an open-end
management investment company managed by SEI Fund Management or its affiliates
and, except for Profit Funds Investment Trust, Rembrandt
Funds-Registered Trademark- and Santa Barbara Group of Mutual Funds, Inc., are
distributed by SEI Financial Services Company.
 
    ROBERT A. NESHER (DOB 08/17/46)--Chairman of the Board of Trustees*--Retired
since 1994. Executive Vice President of SEI, 1986-1994. Director and Executive
Vice President of the Manager and the Distributor, 1981-1994. Trustee of the
Arbor Fund, Marquis Funds-Registered Trademark-, Advisors' Inner Circle Fund,
SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index
Funds, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI
International Trust, Insurance Investment Products Trust, 1784
Funds-Registered Trademark-, Pillar Funds, Rembrandt Funds-Registered Trademark-
and Stepstone Funds.
 
                                      S-20
<PAGE>
    WILLIAM M. DORAN (DOB 05/26/40)--Trustee*--2000 One Logan Square,
Philadelphia, PA 19103. Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm), counsel
to the Trust, Manager and Distributor, Director and Secretary of SEI and
Secretary of the Manager and Distributor. Trustee of The Arbor Fund, Marquis
Funds-Registered Trademark-, Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, SEI Liquid Asset
Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Asset
Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI International Trust
and Insurance Investment Products Trust.
 
    F. WENDELL GOOCH (DOB 12/03/37)--Trustee**--P.O. Box 190, Paoli, IN 47454.
President, Orange County Publishing Co., Inc. since October 1981. Publisher of
the Paoli News and the Paoli Republican and Editor of the Paoli Republican since
January 1981. President, H&W Distribution, Inc., since July 1984. 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.
Trustee of STI Classic Funds, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust,
SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI
Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust and SEI
International Trust.
 
    FRANK E. MORRIS (DOB 12/30/23)--Trustee**--105 Walpole Street, Dover, MA
02030. Retired since 1990. Peter Drucker Professor of Management, Boston
College, 1989-1990. President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 1968-1988.
Trustee of The Arbor Fund, Marquis Funds-Registered Trademark-, Advisors' Inner
Circle Fund, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt
Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Managed
Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust and SEI International Trust.
 
    JAMES M. STOREY (DOB 04/12/31)--Trustee**--Partner, Dechert Price & Rhoads,
from September 1987-December 1993; Trustee of The Arbor Fund, Marquis
Funds-Registered Trademark-, Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, SEI Liquid Asset
Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Asset
Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI International Trust
and Insurance Investment Products Trust since December 1993.
 
    GEORGE J. SULLIVAN, JR. (DOB 11/13/42)--Trustee**--General Partner, Teton
Partners, L.P., since 1991; Chief Financial Officer, Noble Partners, L.P., since
1991; Treasurer and Clerk, Peak Asset Management, Inc., since 1991; Trustee,
Navigator Securities Lending Trust, since 1995. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset
Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Asset
Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, and SEI International
Trust.
 
    DAVID G. LEE (DOB 04/16/52)--President and Chief Executive Officer--Senior
Vice President of the Manager and Distributor since 1993. Vice President of the
Manager and Distributor, 1991-1993. President, GW Sierra Trust Funds before
1991.
 
    SANDRA K. ORLOW (DOB 10/18/53)--Vice President and Assistant Secretary--Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of the Manager and Distributor since 1988.
 
    KEVIN P. ROBINS (DOB 04/15/61)--Vice President and Assistant
Secretary--Senior Vice President and General Counsel of SEI, the Administrator
and Distributor since 1994. Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the
Administrator and Distributor, 1992-1994. Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
(law firm), 1988-1992.
 
    RICHARD W. GRANT (DOB 10/25/45)--Secretary--2000 One Logan Square,
Philadelphia, PA 19103, Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm), counsel
to the Trust, Manager and Distributor.
 
    KATHRYN L. STANTON (DOB 11/19/58)--Vice President and Assistant
Secretary--Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of
SEI, the Administrator and Distributor since 1994. Associate, Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP (law firm), 1989-1994.
 
    JOSEPH P. LYDON (DOB 09/27/59)--Vice President and Assistant
Secretary--Director, Business Administration of Fund Resources, April 1995. Vice
President, Fund Group, Dremen Value Management, LP, President Dremen Financial
Services, Inc. prior to 1995.
 
                                      S-21
<PAGE>
    STEPHEN G. MEYER (DOB 07/12/65)--Controller, Chief Financial Officer--Vice
President and Controller of SEI Corporation since 1994. Director, Internal Audit
and Risk Management, SEI Corporation, 1992-1994. Senior Associate, Coopers &
Lybrand, 1990-1992. Internal Audit, Vanguard Group prior to 1992.
 
    TODD CIPPERMAN (DOB 01/14/66)--Vice President and Assistant Secretary--Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Administrator and the Distributor
since 1995. Associate, Dewey Ballantine (law firm) (1994-1995). Associate,
Winston & Strawn (law firm) (1991-1994).
 
    BARBARA A. NUGENT (DOB 06/18/56)--Vice President and Assistant
Secretary--Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Administrator and
Distributor since 1996. Associate, Drinker, Biddle & Reath (law firm). Assistant
Vice President/Administration, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (1992-1993),
Assistant Vice President--Operations, Delaware Service Company, Inc.
(1988-1992).
 
    MARC H. CAHN (DOB 06/19/57)--Vice President and Assistant Secretary--Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Administrator and Distributor
since 1996. Associate General Counsel, Barclays Bank PLC (1995-1996). ERISA
counsel, First Fidelity Bancorporation (1994-1995), Associate, Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP (1989-1994).
 
- ------------------------
 
 *Messrs. Nesher and Doran are Trustees who may be deemed to be "interested
  persons" of the Trust as the term is defined in the 1940 Act.
 
**Messrs. Gooch, Storey, Morris and Sullivan serve as members of the Audit
  Committee of the Trust.
 
    The Trustees and officers of the Trust own less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of the Trust. The Trust pays the fees for unaffiliated Trustees.
 
    Compensation of officers and affiliated Trustees of the Trust is paid by the
Manager. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the Trust paid the
following amounts to the Trustees.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       AGGREGATE            PENSION OR
                                   COMPENSATION FROM    RETIREMENT BENEFITS   ESTIMATED ANNUAL TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM REGISTRANT
                                   REGISTRANT FOR FYE   ACCRUED AS PART OF     BENEFITS UPON   AND FUND COMPLEX PAID TO DIRECTORS
NAME OF PERSON AND POSITION             9/30/96            FUND EXPENSES         RETIREMENT              FOR FYE 9/30/96
- ---------------------------------  ------------------   -------------------   ---------------- -----------------------------------
<S>                                <C>                  <C>                   <C>              <C>
Robert A. Nesher, Trustee........       $     0                 $0                   $0        $0 for services on 8 boards
Richard F. Blanchard,
  Trustee(1).....................       $13,013                 $0                   $0        $45,000 for services on 8 boards
William M. Doran, Trustee........       $     0                 $0                   $0        $0 for services on 8 boards
F. Wendell Gooch, Trustee........       $27,001                 $0                   $0        $90,000 for services on 8 boards
Frank E. Morris, Trustee.........       $27,001                 $0                   $0        $90,000 for services on 8 boards
James M. Storey, Trustee(2)......       $27,001                 $0                   $0        $90,000 for services on 8 boards
George J. Sullivan, Trustee......       $ 5,641                 $0                   $0        $22,500 for services on 8 boards
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Deceased May 7, 1996
 
(2) Mr. Storey received the stated amounts as compensation for service as an
    Honorary Trustee for the Trust during the most recent fiscal year.
 
                                      S-22
<PAGE>
                                  PERFORMANCE
 
    From time to time, each Portfolio may advertise yield and/or total return.
These figures will be based on historical earnings and are not intended to
indicate future performance.
 
    The yield of a Portfolio refers to the annualized income generated by an
investment in the Portfolio over a specified 30-day period. The yield is
calculated by assuming that the income generated by the investment during that
period is generated each period over one year and is shown as a percentage of
the investment. 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
current 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.
 
    Based on the foregoing, the 30-day yield for the Portfolios for the 30-day
period ended September 30, 1996 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND                                                                              30 DAY YIELD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
CLASS A
  Balanced Portfolio............................................................         3.12%
  Bond Portfolio................................................................         5.91%
  Capital Appreciation Portfolio................................................         1.26%
  Core Fixed Income Portfolio...................................................         6.33%
  Equity Income Portfolio.......................................................         2.77%
  High Yield Bond Portfolio.....................................................         9.17%
  Large Cap Growth Portfolio....................................................         0.33%
  Large Cap Value Portfolio.....................................................         2.08%
  Mid-Cap Portfolio.............................................................         1.13%
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio....................................................         0.00%
  Small Cap Value Portfolio.....................................................         0.11%
CLASS D
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio....................................................         0.00%
</TABLE>
 
    The total return of a Portfolio refers to the average compounded rate of
return to a hypothetical investment for designated time periods (including, but
not limited to, the period from which the Portfolio commenced operations through
the specified date), assuming that the entire investment is redeemed at the end
of each period. 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.
 
                                      S-23
<PAGE>
    Based on the foregoing, the average annual total returns for the Portfolios
from inception through September 30, 1996 and for the one, five and ten year
periods ended September 30, 1996, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                                                  --------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                                      SINCE
PORTFOLIO                           CLASS                         ONE YEAR   FIVE YEAR  TEN YEAR    INCEPTION
- ----------------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Balanced Portfolio                  Class A(1)..................      15.01%     10.35%     *           10.56%
 
Bond Portfolio                      Class A(2)..................      10.56%      8.16%     *            9.23%
 
Capital Appreciation Portfolio      Class A(3)..................      22.14%     12.85%     *           14.44%
 
Core Fixed Income Portfolio         Class A(4)..................       4.51%      6.85%     *            7.76%
 
Equity Income Portfolio             Class A(5)..................      18.17%     14.27%     *           13.80%
 
High Yield Bond Portfolio           Class A(6)..................      15.46%     *          *           16.23%
 
Large Cap Growth Portfolio          Class A(7)..................      20.59%     *          *           27.88%
 
Large Cap Value Portfolio           Class A(8)..................      18.33%     10.97%     *            9.75%
 
Mid-Cap Portfolio                   Class A(9)..................      16.03%     *          *           12.80%
 
Small Cap Growth Portfolio          Class A(10).................      26.56%     *          *           24.42%
                                    Class D(11) (no load).......      26.01%     *          *           26.77%
                                    Class D(11) (load)..........      19.71%     *          *           24.11%
 
Small Cap Value Portfolio           Class A(12).................      10.86%     *          *           18.62%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
  * Not in operation during period.
 
 (1) Commenced operations August 7, 1990.
 
 (2) Commenced operations May 4, 1987.
 
 (3) Commenced operations March 1, 1988.
 
 (4) Commenced operations May 4, 1987.
 
 (5) Commenced operations June 2, 1988.
 
 (6) Commenced operations January 11, 1995.
 
 (7) Commenced operations December 20, 1994.
 
 (8) Commenced operations April 20, 1987.
 
 (9) Commenced operations February 16, 1993.
 
(10) Commenced operations April 20, 1992.
 
(11) Commenced operations May 2, 1994.
 
(12) Commenced operations December 20, 1995.
 
    The Portfolios may, from time to time, compare their performance to other
mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating services, to broad groups of
comparable mutual funds or to unmanaged indices which may assume investment of
dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs.
 
                                      S-24
<PAGE>
                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
    The purchase and redemption price of shares is the net asset value of each
share. A Portfolio's securities are valued by SEI Management pursuant to
valuations provided by an independent pricing service (generally the last quoted
sale price). Portfolio securities listed on a securities exchange for which
market quotations are available are valued at the last quoted sale price on each
Business Day (defined as days on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business ("Business Day")) or, if there is no such reported sale, at the most
recently quoted bid price. Unlisted securities for which market quotations are
readily available are valued at the most recently quoted bid price. The pricing
service may also use a matrix system to determine valuations. This 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.
 
    It is currently the Trust's policy to pay all redemptions in cash. The Trust
retains the right, however, to alter this policy to provide for redemptions in
whole or in part by a distribution in kind of readily marketable securities held
by a Portfolio in lieu of cash. Shareholders may incur brokerage charges on the
sale of any such securities so received in payment of redemptions. However, a
shareholder will at all times be entitled to aggregate cash redemptions from all
Portfolios of the Trust during any 90-day period of up to the lesser of $250,000
or 1% of the Trust's net assets.
 
    A gain or loss for federal income tax purposes may be realized by a taxable
shareholder upon an in-kind redemption depending upon the shareholder's basis in
the shares of the Trust redeemed.
 
    Purchases and redemptions of shares of the Portfolios may be made on any day
the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Currently, the following
holidays are observed by the Trust: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. The Trust reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption
and/or to postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during
which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted, or during the
existence of an emergency (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) as a
result of which disposal or evaluation of the portfolio securities is not
reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may by order
permit. The Trust also reserves the right to suspend sales of shares of the
Portfolios for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, the Manager,
the Distributor, and/or the Custodian are not open for business.
 
REDUCTIONS IN SALES CHARGES
 
    In calculating the sales charge rates applicable to current purchases of
Class D shares, members of the following affinity groups and clients of the
following broker-dealers, each of which has entered into an agreement with the
Distributor, are entitled to the following percentage-based discounts from the
otherwise applicable sales charge:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PERCENTAGE     DATE OFFER  DATE OFFER
NAME OF GROUP                                                 DISCOUNT        STARTS    TERMINATES
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>         <C>
BHC Securities, Inc. ....................................            10%     12/29/94      N/A
First Security Investor Services, Inc. ..................            10%     12/29/94      N/A
</TABLE>
 
    Those members or clients who take advantage of a percentage-based reduction
in the sales charge during the offering period noted above may continue to
purchase shares at the reduced sales charge rate after the offering period
relating to each such purchaser's affinity group or broker-dealer relationship
has terminated.
 
                                      S-25
<PAGE>
    For more information regarding reductions in sales charges, please contact
the Distributor at 1-800-437-6016.
 
                     SHAREHOLDER SERVICES (CLASS D SHARES)
 
    The following is a description of plans and privileges by which the sale
charges imposed on the Class D shares of the Small Cap Growth Portfolio may be
reduced.
 
    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION:  A shareholder qualifies for cumulative quantity
discounts when his or her new investment, together with the current market value
of all holdings of that shareholder in certain eligible portfolios, reaches a
discount level. See "Purchase and Redemption of Shares" in the Prospectus for
the sales charge on quantity purchases.
 
    LETTER OF INTENT:  The reduced sales charges are also applicable to the
aggregate amount of purchases made by any such purchaser previously enumerated
within a 13-month period pursuant to a written Letter of Intent provided to the
Distributor, that does not legally bind the signer to purchase any set number of
shares and provides for the holding in escrow by the Administrator of 5% of the
amount purchased until such purchase is completed within the 13-month period. A
Letter of Intent may be dated to include shares purchased up to 90 days prior to
the date the Letter of Intent is signed. The 13-month period begins on the date
of the earliest purchase. If the intended investment is not completed, the
Administrator will surrender an appropriate number of the escrowed shares for
redemption in order to recover the difference between the sales charge imposed
under the Letter of Intent and the sales charge that would have otherwise been
imposed.
 
    DISTRIBUTION INVESTMENT OPTION:  Distributions of dividends and capital
gains made by the Portfolios may be automatically invested in shares of one of
the Portfolios if shares of the Portfolio are available for sale. Such
investments will be subject to initial investment minimums, as well as
additional purchase minimums. A shareholder considering the Distribution
Investment Option should obtain and read the prospectus of the other Portfolios
and consider the differences in objectives and policies before making any
investment.
 
    REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE:  A shareholder who has redeemed shares of the
Portfolio has a one-time right to reinvest the redemption proceeds in shares of
the Portfolios at their net asset value as of the time of reinvestment. Such a
reinvestment must be made within 30 days of the redemption and is limited to the
amount of the redemption proceeds. Although redemptions and repurchases of
shares are taxable events, a reinvestment within such 30-day period in the same
fund is considered a "wash sale" and results in the inability to recognize
currently all or a portion of a loss realized on the original redemption for
federal income tax purposes. The investor must notify the Transfer Agent at the
time the trade is placed that the transaction is a reinvestment.
 
    EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE:  Some or all of the Portfolio's Class D shares for which
payment has been received (I.E., an established account), may be exchanged for
Class D shares of SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust and SEI
International Trust ("SEI Funds"). Exchanges are made at net asset value plus
any applicable sales charge. SEI Funds' portfolios that are not money market
portfolios currently impose a sales charge on Class D shares. A shareholder who
exchanges into one of these "non-money market" portfolios will have to pay a
sales charge on any portion of the exchanged Class D shares for which he or she
has not previously paid a sales charge. If a shareholder has paid a sales charge
on Class D shares, no additional sales charge will be assessed when he or she
exchanges those Class D shares for other Class D shares. If a shareholder buys
Class D shares of a "non-money market" fund and receives a sales load waiver, he
or she will be deemed to have paid the sales load for purposes of this exchange
privilege. In calculating any sales charge payable on an exchange transaction,
the SEI Funds will assume that the first shares a shareholder exchanges are
those on which he or she has already paid a sales charge. Sales charge waivers
may also be available under certain circumstances, as described in the
portfolios' prospectuses. The
 
                                      S-26
<PAGE>
Trust reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of the exchange
privilege discussed herein, or to terminate the exchange privilege, upon sixty
days' notice. Exchanges will be made only after proper instructions in writing
or by telephone (an "Exchange Request") are received for an established account
by the Distributor.
 
    A shareholder may exchange the shares of the Portfolio's Class D shares, for
which good payment has been received, in his or her account at any time,
regardless of how long he or she has held his or her shares.
 
    Each Exchange Request must be in proper form (I.E., if in writing, signed by
the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered; if by telephone-proper
account identification is given by the dealer or shareholder of record), and
each exchange must involve either shares having an aggregate value of at least
$1,000 or all the shares in the account. Each exchange involves the redemption
of the shares of the Portfolio (the "Old Portfolio") to be exchanged and the
purchase at net asset value (I.E., without a sales charge) of the shares of the
other portfolios (the "New Portfolios"). Any gain or loss on the redemption of
the shares exchanged is reportable on the shareholder's federal income tax
return, unless such shares were held in a tax-deferred retirement plan or other
tax-exempt account. If the Exchange Request is received by the Distributor in
writing or by telephone on any business day prior to the redemption cut-off time
specified in each Prospectus, the exchange usually will occur on that day if all
the restrictions set forth above have been complied with at that time. However,
payment of the redemption proceeds by the Old Portfolios, and thus the purchase
of shares of the New Portfolios, may be delayed for up to seven days if the
Portfolio determines that such delay would be in the best interest of all of its
shareholders. Investment dealers which have satisfied criteria established by
the Portfolios may also communicate a Shareholder's Exchange Request to the
Portfolio subject to the restrictions set forth above. No more than five
exchange requests may be made in any one telephone Exchange Request.
 
                                     TAXES
 
    The following is only a summary of certain additional federal tax
considerations generally affecting the Portfolios and their shareholders that
are not described in the Portfolios' prospectuses. No attempt is made to present
a detailed explanation of the federal, state or local tax treatment of the
Portfolios or their shareholders and the discussion here and in the Portfolios'
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
significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a
retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
 
    Each Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax
purposes and is not combined with the Trust's other Portfolios. Each Portfolio
intends to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M
of the Code so that it will be relieved of federal income tax on that part of
its income that is distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify for
treatment as a RIC, a Portfolio must distribute annually to its shareholders at
least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment
income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital losses) ("Distribution Requirement") and also must meet
several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i)
at least 90% of a Portfolio'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 other income
derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock or securities;
(ii) less than 30% of a Portfolio's gross income each taxable year may be
derived from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities held for less
than three months; (iii) at the close of each quarter of a Portfolio'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
 
                                      S-27
<PAGE>
other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does
not exceed 5% of the value of a Portfolio's assets and that does not represent
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (iv) at
the close of each quarter of a Portfolio's taxable year, not more than 25% of
the value of its 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 the same, similar, or related trades or
businesses if the Portfolio owns at least 20% of the voting power of such
issuers.
 
    Notwithstanding the Distribution Requirement described above, which only
requires a Portfolio to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company
taxable income and does not require any minimum distribution of net capital
gain, a Portfolio will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to
the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year at least 98%
of its ordinary income for that year and 98% of its capital gain net income (the
excess of short- and long-term capital gain over short-and long-term capital
loss) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain
other amounts. Each Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid
liability for the federal excise tax. A Portfolio may in certain circumstances
be required to liquidate portfolio investments in order to make sufficient
distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability when the investment advisor
might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such
circumstances may affect the ability of a Portfolio to satisfy the requirements
for qualification as a RIC.
 
    If capital gain distributions have been made with respect to shares that are
sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, then the loss is treated
as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distributions. If
a Portfolio fails to qualify as a RIC for any year, all of its income will be
subject to tax at corporate rates, and its distributions (including capital gain
distributions) generally will be taxable as ordinary income dividends to its
shareholders, subject to the dividends received deduction for corporate
shareholders who have held shares for more than 45 days.
 
    A Portfolio will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the
United States Treasury 31% of amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) has
provided the Portfolio either an incorrect tax identification number or no
number at all, (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the Internal Revenue
Service for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, or (3)
who has failed to certify to the Portfolio that such shareholder is not subject
to backup withholding.
 
    With respect to investments in STRIPS, TR's, TIGR's, LYONs, CATS and other
Zero Coupon securities which are sold at original issue discount and thus do not
make periodic cash interest payments, a Portfolio will be required to include as
part of its current income the imputed interest on such obligations even though
the Portfolio has not received any interest payments on such obligations during
that period. Because each Portfolio distributes all of its net investment income
to its shareholders, a Portfolio may have to sell Portfolio securities to
distribute such imputed income which may occur at a time when the advisers would
not have chosen to sell such securities and which may result in taxable gain or
loss.
 
STATE TAXES
 
    A Portfolio is not liable for any income or franchise tax in Massachusetts
if it qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Distributions by the
Portfolio to shareholders and the ownership of shares may be subject to state
and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding
the affect of federal, state and local taxes in their own individual
circumstances.
 
                                      S-28
<PAGE>
                             PORTFOLIO 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, the advisers are responsible for placing orders to
execute Portfolio transactions. In placing orders, it is the Trust's policy to
seek to obtain the best net results taking into account such factors as price
(including the applicable dealer spread), 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 advisers
generally seek reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Trust will not
necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available. The Trust will
not purchase portfolio securities from any affiliated person acting as principal
except in conformity with the regulations of the SEC.
 
    It is expected that the Portfolios may execute brokerage or other agency
transactions through the Distributor, a registered broker-dealer, for a
commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and rules and regulations of the SEC. Under these provisions, the
Distributor is permitted to receive and retain compensation for effecting
portfolio transactions for a Portfolio on an exchange if a written contract is
in effect between the Distributor and the Trust expressly permitting the
Distributor to receive and retain such compensation. These provisions 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
Portfolios may direct commission business to one or more designated
broker-dealers, including the Distributor, in connection with such
broker-dealer's payment of certain of the Portfolios' expenses. The Trustees,
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. In addition, SFM has
adopted a policy respecting the receipt of research and related products and
services in connection with transactions effected for Portfolios operating
within the "Manager of Managers" structure. Under this policy, SFM and the
various firms that serve as sub-advisers to certain Portfolios of the Trust, in
the exercise of joint investment discretion over the assets of a Portfolio, will
direct a substantial portion of a Portfolio's brokerage to the Distributor in
consideration of the Distributor's provision of research and related products to
SFM for use in performing its advisory responsibilities. All such transactions
directed to the Distributor must be accomplished in a manner that is consistent
with the Trust's policy to achieve best net results, and must comply with the
Trust's procedures regarding the execution of transactions through affiliated
brokers.
 
                                      S-29
<PAGE>
    For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the Portfolios paid the
following brokerage fees:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      TOTAL $ AMOUNT
                                                       OF BROKERAGE     % OF TOTAL       % OF TOTAL                       TOTAL $
                                     TOTAL $ AMOUNT    COMMISSIONS      BROKERAGE         BROKERED         TOTAL $       AMOUNT OF
                                      OF BROKERAGE       PAID TO       COMMISSIONS      TRANSACTIONS      AMOUNT OF      BROKERAGE
                                      COMMISSIONS       AFFILIATED       PAID TO      EFFECTED THROUGH    BROKERAGE     COMMISSIONS
                                      PAID IN FYE       BROKERS IN      AFFILIATED       AFFILIATED      TRANSACTIONS    PAID FOR
FUND                                    9/30/96        FYE 9/30/96       BROKERS          BROKERS        FOR RESEARCH    RESEARCH
- -----------------------------------  --------------   --------------   ------------   ----------------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                  <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>                <C>            <C>
Balanced Portfolio.................    $  117,731        $ 14,167        12.03%           78.52%         $ 48,373,893    $ 51,937
Bond Portfolio.....................    $        0               0            0             9.67%                    0           0
Capital Appreciation Portfolio.....    $  901,374        $ 30,830         3.42%           36.41%         $399,309,824    $456,022
Core Fixed Income Portfolio........    $  125,097        $ 18,090        14.46%           90.73%         $ 25,600,000    $ 16,100
Equity Income Portfolio............    $  387,891        $  5,760         1.49%           69.42%         $          0    $      0
High Yield Bond Portfolio..........             0               0            0                0                     0           0
Mid-Cap Portfolio..................    $   40,892        $ 22,811         5.58%           90.29%         $          0           0
Large Cap Growth Portfolio.........    $  737,152        $ 65,986         8.95%           40.68%         $238,605,230    $281,457
Large Cap Value Portfolio..........    $  784,758        $186,041        23.71%           25.12%         $ 94,864,287    $107,616
Small Cap Growth Portfolio.........    $  551,149        $ 15,867         2.88%           42.46%         $ 42,330,083    $111,685
Small Cap Value Portfolio..........    $  500,459        $ 25,669         5.13%           43.48%         $          0    $      0
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Not in operation during such period.
 
                                      S-30
<PAGE>
    For the fiscal years ended September 30, 1994 and 1995, the Portfolios paid
the following brokerage fees:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       TOTAL $ AMOUNT OF
                                                 TOTAL $ AMOUNT OF         BROKERAGE
                                               BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS    COMMISSIONS PAID
                                                        PAID             TO AFFILIATES
                                               ----------------------  ------------------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
FUND                                              1994        1995       1994      1995
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------
Balanced Portfolio...........................  $  101,709  $  148,731  $ 20,376  $      0
Bond Portfolio...............................  $        0  $        0  $      0  $      0
Capital Appreciation Portfolio...............  $1,611,243  $1,577,921  $173,127  $ 20,042
Core Fixed Income Portfolio..................  $    1,840  $        0  $      0  $      0
Equity Income Portfolio......................  $  490,073  $  648,410  $ 38,830  $ 33,725
High Yield Bond Portfolio....................  $        0  $        0  $      0  $      0
Mid-Cap Portfolio............................  $  264,405  $  264,386  $ 18,120  $      0
Large Cap Growth Portfolio...................  $        0  $  270,371  $      0  $192,232
Large Cap Value Portfolio....................  $  267,623  $  804,877  $ 10,375  $115,823
Small Cap Growth Portfolio...................  $  447,356  $        0  $ 47,550  $      0
Small Cap Value Portfolio....................  $        0  $  191,324  $      0  $  2,814
</TABLE>
 
    Class D shareholders paid the following sales charges:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DOLLAR AMOUNT OF CHARGES
                                                  DOLLAR AMOUNT OF CHARGES             RETAINED BY SFS
                                               -------------------------------  -----------------------------
PORTFOLIO/CLASS                                   1994        1995      1996      1994       1995      1996
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Bond Portfolio--Class D......................  $ 4,306.18  $   430.09      N/A  $  404.24  $   49.78      N/A
Capital Appreciation Portfolio--Class D......  $13,466.77  $15,353.85      N/A  $1,312.19  $1,711.53      N/A
Equity Income Portfolio--Class D.............  $26,611.27  $ 6,281.96      N/A  $2,651.98  $  752.30      N/A
Core Fixed Income Portfolio--Class D.........  $    56.00  $ 3,375.64      N/A  $    6.22  $  434.85      N/A
Mid-Cap Portfolio--Class D...................  $   140.98  $        0      N/A  $   14.10  $       0      N/A
Small Cap Growth Portfolio--Class D..........  $   278.97  $11,874.23      N/A  $   27.90  $1,455.18      N/A
</TABLE>
 
    For each of the Portfolios, there is no material difference between the
percentage of brokerage commissions paid to the Distributor as compared to all
brokerage commissions and the percentage of the amount of brokered transactions
as compared to the aggregate amount of all brokered transactions.
 
    The portfolio turnover rate for each Portfolio for the fiscal years ending
September 30, 1995 and 1996 was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               TURNOVER
                                                                 RATE
                                                              -----------
FUND                                                          1995   1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------  ----   ----
<S>                                                           <C>    <C>
Balanced Portfolio..........................................  159%   143%
Bond Portfolio..............................................   79%    66%
Capital Appreciation Portfolio..............................  107%   153%
Core Fixed Income Portfolio.................................  294%   311%
Equity Income Portfolio.....................................   47%    43%
High Yield Bond Portfolio...................................   56%    55%
Mid-Cap Portfolio...........................................  108%   101%
Large Cap Growth Portfolio..................................   44%    90%
Large Cap Value Portfolio...................................   99%    75%
Small Cap Growth Portfolio..................................  113%   167%
Small Cap Value Portfolio...................................   64%   121%
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-31
<PAGE>
    Since the Trust does not market its shares through intermediary brokers or
dealers, it is not the Trust's practice to allocate brokerage or principal
business on the basis of sales of its shares which may be made through such
firms. However, a Portfolio's advisers or sub-advisers may place portfolio
orders with qualified broker-dealers who recommend the Trust to clients, and
may, when a number of brokers and dealers can provide best price and execution
on a particular transaction, consider such recommendations by a broker or dealer
in selecting among broker-dealers.
 
    The Trust does not expect to use one particular dealer, but a Portfolio's
advisers or sub-advisers may, consistent with the interests of the Portfolio,
select brokers on the basis of the research services they provide to the
Portfolio's advisers. Such services may include analysis of the business or
prospects of a company, industry or economic sector or statistical and pricing
services. Information so received by the advisers will be in addition to and not
in lieu of the services required to be performed by a Portfolio's advisers under
the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements. If in the judgement of a Portfolio's
advisers, the Portfolio, or other accounts managed by the Portfolio's advisers,
will be benefitted by supplemental research services, the Portfolio's advisers
are authorized to pay brokerage commissions to a broker furnishing such services
that are in excess of commissions which another broker may have charged for
effecting the same transaction. The expenses of a Portfolio's advisers will not
necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental
information.
 
    The Trust is required to identify any securities of its "regular brokers or
dealers" (as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act) which the Trust
has acquired during its most recent fiscal year. As of September 30, 1996, the
Large Cap Value Portfolio held $4,790,000 of equity securities issued by JP
Morgan Securities, Inc., $2,454,000 of equity securities issued by Bear Stearns,
$1,273,000 of equity securities issued by Merrill Lynch & Co., and $817,000 of
equity securities issued by Salomon Brothers, Inc. and entered into a repurchase
agreement worth $17,648,000 with JP Morgan Securities, Inc.; the Small Cap
Growth Portfolio entered into a repurchase agreement worth $26,409,000 with J.P.
Morgan; the Capital Appreciation Portfolio entered into a repurchase agreement
worth $11,857,000 with Lehman Brothers; the Equity Income Portfolio held
$4,950,000 of equity securities issued by JP Morgan Securities, Inc. and entered
into a repurchase agreement worth $5,208,000 with J.P. Morgan; the Balanced
Portfolio held $1,024,000 of debt securities issued by Salomon Brothers, Inc,
$2,000 of debt securities issued by Merrill Lynch & Co., and entered into a
repurchase agreement worth $5,043,000 with J.P. Morgan; the Mid-Cap Portfolio
held $251,000 of equity securities issued by Bear Stearns, $433,000 of equity
securities issued by Salomon Brothers, Inc., $88,000 of equity securities of
PaineWebber, Inc., and entered into a repurchase agreement worth $687,000 with
JP Morgan Securities, Inc.; the Core Fixed Income Portfolio held $5,837,000 of
debt securities issued by Lehman Brothers, $4,499,000 of debt securities issued
by Bear Stearns, $4,459,000 of debt securities issued by Goldman Sachs,
$1,154,000 of debt securities issued by PaineWebber, Inc., $3,315,000 of debt
securities issued by Salomon Brothers, Inc., $1,218,000 of debt securities
issued by Prudential Securities, Inc, and entered into a repurchase agreement
worth $70,741,000 with J.P. Morgan; the Bond Portfolio entered into a repurchase
agreement worth $68,000 with Lehman Brothers; the Large Cap Growth Portfolio
held $3,649,000 of equity securities with Merrill Lynch & Co. and entered into a
repurchase agreement worth $10,082,000 with Lehman Brothers; and the Small Cap
Value Portfolio held $379,000 of equity securities of Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette and entered into a repurchase agreement worth $6,983,000 with Lehman
Brothers.
 
                             DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
 
    The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of
shares of each Portfolio, each of which represents an equal proportionate
interest in that Portfolio. Each share upon liquidation entitles a shareholder
to a PRO RATA share in the net assets of that Portfolio, after taking into
account additional distribution and transfer agency expenses attributable to
Class D shares. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust
provides that the Trustees of the Trust may create additional
 
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series of shares or separate classes of portfolios. Share certificates
representing the shares will not be issued.
 
                       LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES' LIABILITY
 
    The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for
his or her own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in
the selection of officers, agents, employees or administrators, 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 or her wilful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her
duties.
 
                                     VOTING
 
    Where the Trust's Prospectuses or Statement of Additional Information state
that an investment limitation or a fundamental policy may not be changed without
shareholder approval, such approval means the vote of (i) 67% or more of the
affected Portfolio's shares present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio are present or represented by Proxy,
or (ii) more than 50% of the affected Portfolio's outstanding shares, whichever
is less.
 
                             SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
 
    The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts
business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a business 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 shareholders held personally liable for the
obligations of the Trust.
 
              CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
 
    As of January 6, 1997, the following persons were the only persons who were
record owners (or to the knowledge of the Trust, beneficial owners) of 5% or
more of the shares of the Portfolios. The Trust believes that most of the shares
referred to below were held by the below persons in accounts for their
fiduciary, agency, or custodial customers.
 
    Balanced Portfolio--Class A: Nabank & Co., c/o Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., Attn:
Lisa Marrs, P.O. Box 2300, Tulsa, OK 74192, 9.33%; Nabank & Co., Attn: Record
Keeping, P.O. Box 2180, Tulsa, OK, 74101-2180, 11.49%; SEI Trust Company, Attn:
Jacqueline Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 66.27%.
 
    Bond Portfolio--Class A: Unit & Co., c/o National Bank of Oregon, Attn: Tom
Coleman, Trust Department Securities Clearance, P.O. Box 7928, Boise, ID 83707,
14.57%; SEI Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road,
Wayne, PA 19087, 13.70%. BMS and Company, c/o Central Trust Bank, Attn. Trust &
Financial Services, P.O. Box 779, Jefferson City, MO 55102, 7.90%; Boatmen's
Trust Co. Master Cust. For Missouri United Methodist BTCFXD, Debbie Schroder,
Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 14737, St. Louis, MO 53178, 7.89%; TSTCO, c/o Magna Trust
Company, P.O. Box 523, Belleville,
 
                                      S-33
<PAGE>
IL 62222, 7.74%; The Farmers Company, c/o Farmers First Bank - Lititz, Attn:
Wendy Basehoar, P.O. Box 1000, Lititz, PA 17543, 5.21%
 
    Capital Appreciation Portfolio--The Fulton Company, c/o Fulton Bank Trust
Dept., Attn: Dennis Patrick, One Penn Square, Lancaster, PA 17602, 7.97%; SEI
Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA
19087, 22.13%.
 
    Core Fixed Income Portfolio--Class A: SEI Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline
Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 60.51%.
 
    Equity Income Portfolio--Class A: Sheldon & Co. (Integra), c/o National
City, Attn: Trust Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 94777, LOU 6012, Cleveland, OH 44101,
9.33%; Unit & Co., c/o U.S. National Bank of Oregon, Attn: Tom Coleman, Trust
Department Securities Clearance, P.O. Box 7928, Boise, ID 83707, 5.43%; SEI
Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA
19087, 10.10%.
 
    High Yield Bond Portfolio--Class A: SEI Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline
Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 87.50%.
 
    Large Cap Growth Portfolio--Class A: SEI Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline
Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 64.87%.
 
    Large Cap Value Portfolio--Class A: SEI Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline
Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 60.20%.
 
    Mid-Cap Portfolio--Class A: BMS and Company, c/o Central Trust Bank, Attn:
Wanda McGlade, P.O. Box 779, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 11.87%; SEI Trust
Company, Attn: Jacqueline Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087,
42.45%; First American Trust Company, Attn: Jeff Eubanks, 800 First American
Center, Nashville, TN 37237-0801, 7.05% Ingersol and Company, c/o Brenton Bank,
Attn: Laurie Konrad, P.O. Box 891, Des Moines, IA 50309, 5.56%.
 
    Small Cap Growth Portfolio--Class A: Valle, c/o Marshall & Iisley, 1000
North Water Street TR 11, Milwaukee, WI 53202, 7.99%; SEI Trust Company, Attn:
Jacqueline Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 36.01%.
 
    Small Cap Value Portfolio--Class A: SEI Trust Company, Attn: Jacqueline
Esposito, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087, 64.48%.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The financial statements and the financial highlights have been audited by
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent public accountants.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The Trust's financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1996, including notes thereto and the report of Price Waterhouse LLP thereon,
are herein incorporated by reference from the Trust's 1996 Annual Report. A copy
of the 1996 Annual Report must accompany the delivery of this Statement of
Additional Information.
 
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