HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST
485APOS, 1996-07-31
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<PAGE>
 
       As filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on July __, 1996

                                        Securities Act registration no. 33-38953
                                       Investment Company Act file no. 811-06279
________________________________________________________________________________

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM N-1A
________________________________________________________________________________
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933     [X]
    
                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 16                 [X]     

                                      and

        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
    
                               Amendment No. 18                         [X]     

________________________________________________________________________________

                       HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST
                                  (Registrant)

                      Two North La Salle Street, Suite 500
                         Chicago, Illinois  60602-3790

                         Telephone number 312/621-0600
________________________________________________________________________________

    
     Victor A. Morgenstern               Cameron S. Avery
     Harris Associates L.P.              Bell, Boyd & Lloyd
     Two North La Salle Street, #500     70 West Madison Street, #3300
     Chicago, Illinois  60602            Chicago, Illinois  60602     

                              (Agents for service)
________________________________________________________________________________
    
                  Amending Parts A  and C and filing Exhibits     
________________________________________________________________________________

            It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

               ____     immediately upon filing pursuant to rule 485(b)

               ____     on ___________________________ pursuant to rule 485(b)
               
               ____     60 days after filing pursuant to rule 485(a)(1)

               ____     on May 1, 1996 pursuant to rule 485(a)(1) by
                        acceleration

               ____     75 days after filing pursuant to rule 485(a)(2)
    
                 X
               ____     on November 1, 1996 pursuant to rule 485(a)(2)     


    
Registrant has elected to register an indefinite number of its shares of
beneficial interest, without par value, of the series designated The Oakmark
Fund, The Oakmark Small Cap Fund, The Oakmark Balanced Fund, The Oakmark Select
Fund, The Oakmark International Fund and The Oakmark International Emerging
Value Fund, pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Registrant's Rule 24f-2 Notice for its fiscal period ended October 31, 1995 was
filed on or about November 16, 1995.     
________________________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
 
                       HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST

         CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET PURSUANT TO RULE 495(A) OF REGULATION C



ITEM                LOCATION OR CAPTION*
- ----             ------------------------

                    Part A (Prospectus)
                 ------------------------

 1(a) & (b)      Front Cover
               
 2(a)            Expenses
  (b) & (c)      Summary
               
 3(a)            Financial Highlights
  (b)            Not Applicable
  (c)            Performance Information
  (d)            Financial Highlights
               
 4(a)(i)         Other Information
  (a)(ii)&(b)    How the Funds Invest
  (c)            Risk Factors
               
 5(a)            Management of the Funds
  (b)            Management of the Funds; Inside Back Cover; Expenses
  (c)            Management of the Funds
  (d)            Not applicable
  (e)            Inside Back Cover
  (f)            Expenses
  (g)            Management of the Funds
               
 5(a)            Not applicable (the specified information is
                  included in registrant's 1994 annual reports to 
                  shareholders)
               
 6(a)            Other Information
  (b)            Not Applicable
  (c)-(e)        Other Information
  (f)            Distributions
  (g)            Taxes
               
 7               How to Purchase Shares; Shareholder Services
               
  (a)            Not Applicable
  (b)            How to Purchase Shares; Net Asset Value
  (c)            Not Applicable
  (d)            Front cover; How to Purchase Shares
  (e)&(f)        Not Applicable
               
 8(a)-(d)        How to Redeem Shares
               
 9               Not Applicable


- ------------------

*  References are to captions within the part of the registration statement to
   which the particular item relates except as otherwise indicated.

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
ITEM               LOCATION OR CAPTION*
- ----             ------------------------
                 Part B (Statement of Additional Information)
                 --------------------------------------------
  
10(a) & (b)      Front Cover
                
11               Table of Contents
                
12               Not Applicable
                
13(a)            The Funds; How the Funds Invest
  (c)            Investment Restrictions
  (d)            Not applicable
                
14(a) & (b)      Part A - Management of the Funds; Trustees and Officers
  (c)            Not Applicable
                
15(a)            Not Applicable
  (b)            Principal Shareholders
  (c)            Trustees and Officers
                
16(a) & (b)      Part A - Management of the Funds;
                 Part B - Investment Adviser; Trustees and Officers
  (c)            Not Applicable
  (d)            Custodian
  (e)-(g)        Not Applicable
  (h)            Custodian; Independent Public Accountants
  (i)            Not Applicable
                
17(a)-(d)        Portfolio Transactions
  (e)            Not Applicable
                
18(a) & (b)      Not Applicable
                
19(a)-(c)        Purchasing and Redeeming Shares
                
20               Additional Tax Information; Taxation of Foreign Shareholders
                
21(a)-(c)        Not Applicable
                
22(a)            Not Applicable
  (b)            Performance Information

23                 Financial Statements


*  References are to captions within the part of the registration statement to
   which the particular item relates except as otherwise indicated.

                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
ITEM                LOCATION OR CAPTION*
- ----                --------------------
                 
                 
                 Part C (Other Information)
                 --------------------------
                 
24               Financial statements and exhibits                            
                                                                              
25               Persons controlled by or under common control with registrant
                                                                              
26               Number of holders of securities                              
                                                                              
27               Indemnification                                              
                                                                              
28               Business and other connections of investment adviser         
                                                                              
29               Principal underwriters                                       
                                                                              
30               Location of accounts and records                             
                                                                              
31               Management services                                          
                                                                              
32               Undertakings                                                  




*  References are to captions within the part of the registration statement to
   which the particular item relates except as otherwise indicated.

                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
    
PROSPECTUS                                                 November 1, 1996    
 

     FUND                            INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OAKMARK FUND                 LONG-TERM CAPITAL APPRECIATION
                        The Oakmark Fund invests primarily in equity securities.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  LONG-TERM CAPITAL APPRECIATION
THE OAKMARK             The Oakmark Small Cap Fund invests primarily in equity
SMALL CAP FUND          securities of companies with small market 
                        capitalizations.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      HIGH CURRENT INCOME AND
THE OAKMARK                     PRESERVATION AND GROWTH OF CAPITAL
BALANCED FUND           The Oakmark Balanced Fund invests in a diversified
                        portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities.
                                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OAKMARK                         LONG-TERM CAPITAL APPRECIATION
SELECT FUND             The Oakmark Select Fund invests primarily in a
                        non-diversified portfolio of equity securities.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OAKMARK                         LONG-TERM CAPITAL APPRECIATION
INTERNATIONAL FUND      The Oakmark International Fund invests primarily in
                        equity securities of non-U.S. issuers.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    LONG-TERM CAPITAL APPRECIATION
THE OAKMARK             The Oakmark International Emerging Value Fund invests 
INTERNATIONAL EMERGING  primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers that 
VALUE FUND              have small market capitalizations or that are located
                        in emerging markets.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          NO LOAD  -  NO SALES CHARGE
                                 NO 12B-1 FEES

    
     MINIMUM INVESTMENT                             TICKER SYMBOLS
Initial purchase - $1,000 or $2,500             Oakmark Fund - OAKMX
(see "How to Purchase Shares")                 Small Cap Fund - OAKSX
Subsequent investments - $100                   Balanced Fund - OAKBX
                                          Select Fund - (not yet assigned)
                                             International Fund - OAKIX
                                     International Emerging Value Fund - OAKEX

     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Each "Fund" is a series of Harris Associates Investment Trust.  The Funds may
invest to a limited extent in high-yield, high-risk bonds and in other
securities that entail certain risks.  See "Risk Factors."

This prospectus contains information you should know before investing.  Please
retain it for future reference.  A Statement of Additional Information regarding
the Funds dated the date of this prospectus has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and (together with any supplement to it) is incorporated
by reference.  The Statement of Additional Information may be obtained at no
charge by writing or telephoning the Trust at its address or telephone number
shown inside the back cover.

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.
<PAGE>
 
                                     
                                 CONTENTS     
                                                               Page
                                                               ----
                                                               
  Highlights................................................      2
  Shareholder Transaction Expenses..........................      3
  Annual Fund Operating Expenses............................      4
  Financial Highlights......................................      5
  The Funds.................................................      8
  How the Funds Invest......................................      8
  Investment Techniques.....................................     10
  Risk Factors..............................................     12
  Restrictions on the Funds' Investments....................     14
  How to Purchase Shares....................................     15
  How to Redeem Shares......................................     16
  Shareholder Services......................................     19
  Net Asset Value...........................................     20
  Distributions.............................................     20
  Taxes.....................................................     20
  Management of the Funds...................................     21
  Trustees and Officers.....................................     23
  Performance Information...................................     25
  Other Information.........................................     26
 
         
    
       FOR MORE INFORMATION:
       Please call 1-800-OAKMARK
        (1-800-625-6275).
 
       24-HOUR NET ASSET VALUE HOTLINE:
       To obtain the current net asset
        value per share of a Fund,
        please call
       1-800-GROWOAK (1-800-476-9625).     
 
<PAGE>
 
                                  HIGHLIGHTS

       HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST (the "Trust") provides investors an
  opportunity to pool their money to achieve economies of scale and
  diversification, and to take advantage of the professional investment
  expertise of Harris Associates L.P. (the "Adviser").
    
       The Trust currently issues shares in six series (collectively, the
  "Funds" and generally, a "Fund").  Each series has distinct investment
  objectives and policies, and a shareholder's interest is limited to the series
  in which he or she owns shares.  The six series are: The Oakmark Fund
  ("Oakmark Fund"), The Oakmark Small Cap Fund ("Small Cap Fund"), The Oakmark
  Balanced Fund ("Balanced Fund"), The Oakmark Select Fund ("Select Fund"), The
  Oakmark International Fund ("International Fund") and The Oakmark
  International Emerging Value Fund ("International Emerging Fund").  Each is a
  "no-load" fund, and there are no sales or 12b-1 charges.  There are no
  redemption fees except in the case of shares of Small Cap Fund or
  International Emerging Fund held less than six months, for which there is a 2%
  redemption fee payable to the Fund.  However, no redemption fee is charged on 
  redemptions of shares held in an omnibus account of a financial institution, 
  such as a securities broker-dealer or bank.     

       The Trust is designed for long-term investors, including those who wish
  to use shares of one or more series as a funding vehicle for tax-deferred
  retirement plans (including tax-qualified retirement plans and Individual
  Retirement Account (IRA) plans), and not for investors who intend to liquidate
                                       -----------------------------------------
  their investments after a short period of time.  Only Balanced Fund is
  ----------------------------------------------                        
  intended to present a balanced investment program between growth and income.

       The chief consideration in selecting equity securities for each Fund's
  portfolio is the size of the discount of market price relative to the economic
  value of the security as determined by the Adviser.  The Trust's investment
  philosophy is predicated on the belief that over time market price and value
  converge and that investment in securities priced significantly below long-
  term value presents the best opportunity to achieve each Fund's objective of
  long-term capital appreciation.

       OAKMARK FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
       in equity securities.

       SMALL CAP FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
       primarily in equity securities of companies with small market
       capitalizations.

       BALANCED FUND seeks high current income and preservation and growth of
       capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-
       income securities.

       SELECT FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
       in a non-diversified portfolio of equity securities.

       INTERNATIONAL FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
       primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers.

       INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by
       investing primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers that have
       small market capitalizations or that are located in emerging markets.

         

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                     RISKS

       The Funds are intended for long-term investors who can accept
  fluctuations in value and other risks associated with seeking the investment
  objectives of the respective Funds through investments in the types of
  securities in which the Funds may invest.  You should understand and consider
  carefully the risks involved in a Fund before investing in that Fund.  See
  "Risk Factors" for a more detailed discussion.

                                   PURCHASES

       The minimum initial investment for Oakmark Fund and  International Fund
  is $2,500 ($1,000 for an IRA, UGMA or UTMA) and for each other Fund is $1,000;
  additional investments must be at least $100.  Shares may be purchased by
  check, by bank wire, by electronic transfer or by exchange.  See "How to
  Purchase Shares."

                                  REDEMPTIONS

       For information on redeeming Fund shares, including the special
  redemption privileges, see "How to Redeem Shares."

                                NET ASSET VALUE

       The purchase and redemption price of a Fund's shares is the net asset
  value per share.  The net asset value is determined as of the close of regular
  session trading on the New York Stock Exchange.  See "Net Asset Value."

                                    ADVISER

       Harris Associates L.P. (the "Adviser") provides management and investment
  advisory services to the Funds.  See "Management of the Funds."

                        SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           OAKMARK,               SMALL CAP AND 
                              BALANCED, SELECT AND INTERNATIONAL  INT'L EMERGING
                                            FUNDS                     FUNDS
                                            -----                     -----     
                                                                  
<S>                           <C>                                 <C>
 
Commission to purchase
 shares (sales load)...................      None                 None
Commission to reinvest
 dividends.............................      None                 None
Deferred sales load....................      None                 None
Redemption fees/(a)/...................      None                   2%/(b)/
Fees to exchange shares/(c)/...........      None                 None

</TABLE>

  (a)  If you request payment of redemption proceeds by wire, you must pay the
       cost of the wire (currently $5).
    
  (b)  This fee, payable to the Fund, is imposed only if you redeem shares of
       the Fund within six months after purchase (other than by reinvestment of
       dividends or distributions), determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
       However, no redemption fee is charged on redemptions of shares held in an
       omnibus account of a financial institution, such as a securities broker-
       dealer or bank.     

  (c)  There is no fee for an exchange between the Funds.  There is a charge of
       $5 for an exchange from any Fund into Oakmark Units as described under
       "How to Purchase Shares - By Exchange."

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                        ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
                        (AS A PERCENTAGE OF NET ASSETS)

       The following table is intended to help you understand the costs and
  expenses that an investor in the Funds may bear directly or indirectly.  For a
  more complete explanation of the fees and expenses borne by the Funds, see the
  discussions under the prospectus headings "How to Purchase Shares" and
  "Management of the Funds", as well as the Statement of Additional Information
  incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        INT'L
                                          OAKMARK      SMALL CAP     BALANCED     SELECT     INT'L     EMERGING
                                            FUND          FUND         FUND        FUND      FUND        FUND 
                                          -------      ---------     --------     ------     -----     --------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>       <C> 
Investment management fees (a)..........   1.00%         1.25%          .75%       1.00%      1.00%       1.25%
12b-1 fees..............................   None          None          None        None       None        None
Other expenses (after                                                                               
  reimbursements of certain                                                                         
  expenses)(b)..........................    .15           .25          1.75        1.50        .36        1.05
                                           ----          ----          ----        ----       ----        ----
                                                                                                    
Total Fund operating expenses (after                                                                
 reimbursement of certain expenses).....   1.15%         1.50%         2.50%       2.50%      1.36%       2.30%
                                                  
</TABLE>     
  (a)  See "Management of the Funds" for rates of fees at various asset levels.
    
  (b)  Because Small Cap, Balanced, Select and International Emerging Funds are
       newly organized, their percentages shown for "Other Expenses" are
       estimates and, in the case of Balanced and Select Funds, have been
       computed giving effect to the Adviser's agreement to limit the Fund's
       ordinary operating expenses.  See "Management of the Funds."  Absent that
       limitation, the "Other Expenses" and "Total Fund Operating Expenses" of
       Balanced Fund would be estimated to be 2.00% and 2.75%, respectively, and
       of Select Fund would be estimated to be 2.00% and 3.00%, 
       respectively.     

       The following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a
  $1,000 investment in each Fund over various time periods assuming (1) a 5%
  annual rate of return, (2) the operating expense percentages listed in the
  table above remain the same through each of the periods, (3) reinvestment of
  all dividends and capital gain distributions, and (4) redemption at the end of
  each time period.


<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                               1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS  10 YEARS
                               ------  -------  -------  --------
<S>                            <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
Oakmark Fund                      $12      $37     $ 63      $140
Small Cap Fund                     15       47       82       179
Balanced Fund                      25       78      133       284
Select Fund                        25       78      133       284
International Fund                 14       43       74       164
</TABLE>     


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
    
International Emerging Fund        23       72      123       264
     


  THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
  EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE.  ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE
  SHOWN.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

       The tables below for Oakmark Fund and International Fund reflect the
  results of the operations for a share outstanding throughout the periods shown
  and for the periods through October 31, 1995 have been audited by Arthur
  Andersen LLP, independent public accountants.  These tables should be read in
  conjunction with the Funds' financial statements and notes thereto, which may
  be obtained from the Trust upon request without charge.

    
                                  OAKMARK FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Six Months
                                                Ended                       Year Ended October 31,                   Period Ended
                                           April 30, 1996       1995         1994          1993          1992      Oct. 31, 1991(a)
                                          -----------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------------
                                             (unaudited)
<S>                                       <C>                <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Net Asset Value, beginning of period....        $  28.47       $  25.21     $  24.18       $  17.11    $12.10           $  10.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)............             .15            .30          .27            .17      (.03)(d)           (.01)
Net gains or losses on securities
 (both realized and unrealized).........            3.68           4.66         1.76           7.15      5.04               2.11
                                                --------       --------     --------       --------    ------           --------
 Total from investment operations.......            3.83           4.96         2.03           7.32      5.01               2.10
Less distributions:
Dividends (from net investment income)..            (.28)          (.23)        (.23)          (.04)        -                  -
Distributions (from capital gains)......            (.84)         (1.47)        (.77)          (.21)        -                  -
                                                --------       --------     --------       --------    ------           --------
 Total distributions....................           (1.12)         (1.70)       (1.00)          (.25)        -                  -
                                                --------       --------     --------       --------    ------           --------
Net asset value, end of period..........        $  31.18       $  28.47     $  25.21       $  24.18    $17.11           $  12.10
                                                --------       --------     --------       --------    ------           --------
Total return............................           13.66%         21.55%        8.77%         43.21%    41.40%           87.10%*
 
Ratios/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period ($ million)           $3,988.2       $2,827.1     $1,677.3       $1,107.0    $114.7           $    4.8
Ratio of expenses to average net asset..          1.15%*           1.17%        1.22%          1.32%     1.70%         2.50%(b)*
Ratio of net income (loss) to average
 net assets.............................          1.16%*           1.27%        1.19%           .94%    (.24)%        (.66%)(c)*
Portfolio turnover rate.................             6.7%            18%          29%            18%       34%                 0%
Average commission paid                         $  .0534(e)

     
</TABLE>
___________

*   Ratios for the period have been determined on an annualized basis.

(a) From August 5, 1991, the date on which Fund shares were first offered for
    sale to the public.

(b) If the Fund had paid all of its expenses and there had been no reimbursement
    by the Adviser, this annualized ratio would have been 4.92% for the period.
    (c) Computed giving effect to the Adivser's expense limitation undertaking.
    (d) Based on average month-end shares outstanding.
             
(e) For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is required
    to disclose its average commission rate per share for security trades on
    which commissions are charged.  This amount may vary from period to period
    and fund to fund depending on the mix of trades executed in various markets
    where trading practices and commission rate structures may vary.      

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              INTERNATIONAL FUND
                                                  Six Months               Year Ended October 31, 
                                                     Ended          --------------------------------     Period Ended
                                                April 30, 1996         1995         1994       1993    Oct. 31, 1992(a)
                                             ---------------------  ------------  ---------  --------  ----------------
                                                  (unaudited)          
<S>                                          <C>                    <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period.....            $  12.97       $ 14.50      $  14.09    $ 9.80      $    10.00
  Income from investment operations:                                           
   Net investment income...................                 .01           .30           .21       .06             .26
   Net gains or losses on securities                                           
    (both realized and unrealized).........                2.86          (.77)          .43      4.48            (.46)
                                                       --------       -------      --------    ------      ----------
    Total from investment operations.......                2.87          (.47)          .64      4.54            (.20)
  Less distributions:                                                          
   Dividends (from net investment income)..                 .00             -          (.08)     (.25)              -
   Distributions (from capital gains)......               (1.04)        (1.06)         (.15)        -               -
                                                       --------       -------      --------    ------      ----------
    Total distributions....................               (1.04)        (1.06)         (.23)     (.25)              -
                                                       --------       -------      --------    ------      ----------
                                                                               
  Net asset value, end of period...........            $  14.80       $ 12.97      $  14.50    $14.09      $     9.80
                                                       --------       -------      --------    ------      ----------
                                                                               
  Total return.............................               23.90%       (3.06)%         4.62%    47.49%      (22.81)%*
                                                                               
  Ratios/supplemental data:                                                    
   Net assets, end of period ($ million)               $1,137.7       $ 819.7      $1,286.0    $815.4      $     23.5
   Ration of expenses......................              1.36%*          1.40%         1.37%     1.26%         2.04%*
   Ratio of net income (loss) to                                               
    average net assets.....................              1.68%*          1.40%         1.44%     1.55%        37.02%*
   Portfolio turnover rate                                   25%           27%           55%       21%              0%
   Average commission rate paid                        $  .0160(b)
</TABLE>
     
  ___________

  *    Ratios for the period have been determined on an annualized basis.

  (a)  From September 30, 1992, the date on which Fund shares were first offered
       for sale to the public.
   
 (b)   For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is
       required to disclose its average commission rate per share for security
       trades on which commissions are charged.  This amount may vary from
       period to period and fund to fund depending on the mix of trades executed
       in various markets where trading practices and commission rate structures
       may vary.     

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
         SMALL CAP FUND, BALANCED FUND AND INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND


       Small Cap Fund, Balanced Fund and International Emerging Fund commenced
  operations on November 1, 1995.  The following table reflects the results of
  operations of each of those Funds during the six months ended April 30, 1996
  for a share outstanding throughout the period.  These results have not been
  audited by independent public accountants.  These tables should be read in
  conjunction with the Funds' unaudited financial statements and notes thereto,
  which may be obtained from the Trust upon request without charge.


<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                         Period Ended April 30, 1996 (a)
                                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                                     Small                       International
                                                      Cap         Balanced         Emerging
                                                     Fund           Fund             Fund
                                                  -----------  --------------  -----------------
                                                                (unaudited)
                                                               --------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>             <C>
    Net asset value, beginning of period........  $  10.00         $10.00             $10.00
    Income from investment operations:
   Net investment income........................      (.01)           .05               (.01)
 
   Net gains or losses on securities
     (both realized and unrealized).............      2.19            .58               1.33
                                                  --------         ------             ------
    Total from Investment Operations............      2.18            .63               1.34
    Less distributions:
   Dividends (from net investment income).......       .00            .00                .00
   Distributions (from capital gains)...........       .00            .00                .00
                                                  --------         ------             ------
    Total distributions.........................       .00            .00                .00
                                                  --------         ------             ------
    Net asset value, end of period..............  $  12.18         $10.63             $11.34
                                                  --------         ------             ------
    Total return................................     21.80%          6.30%             13.40%
    Ratios/supplemental data:
   Net assets, end of period ($ million)........  $   81.2         $ 10.6             $ 23.5
   Ratio of expenses to average net assets*.....    2.12%*           2.50%(b)           2.50%(b)
   Ratio of net income to average net assets*...   (.50)%*           1.34%(b)            .23%(b)
   Portfolio turnover rate......................      17.8%           7.8%              5.83%
   Average brokerage commission paid per share..  $  .0544(c)      $.0597(c)          $.0047(c)
                                                  --------         ------             ------
</TABLE>     

  *    Ratios for the period have been determined on an annualized basis.

  (a)  From November 1, 1995, the date on which shares of each of these Funds
       were first offered for sale to the public.
    
  (b)  If Balanced Fund and International Emerging Value Fund had paid all of
       their expenses and there had been no reimbursement by the investment
       adviser, their ratios of expenses to average net assets would have been
       3.09% and 4.72%, respectively, and their ratios of net income (loss) to
       average net assets would have been 0.75% and (2.77%), respectively.

  (c)  For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is
       required to disclose its average commission rate per share for security
       trades on which commissions are charged.  This      

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
    
       amount may vary from period to period and fund to fund depending on the
       mix of trades executed in various markets where trading practices and
       commission rate structures may vary.    

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                   THE FUNDS
    
       The mutual funds offered by this prospectus are OAKMARK FUND, SMALL CAP
  FUND, BALANCED FUND, SELECT FUND, INTERNATIONAL FUND AND INTERNATIONAL
  EMERGING FUND. Each of the Funds is a no-load, "mutual fund" and, except for
  Select Fund, is a diversified fund. No Fund imposes any commission or charge
  when shares are purchased, nor bears any 12b-1 charges.     

       The Funds are series of Harris Associates Investment Trust (the "Trust"),
  which is authorized to issue shares in separate series.  Each series is a
  separate portfolio of securities and other assets, with its own investment
  objective and policies.

       Harris Associates L.P. (the "Adviser") provides investment advisory and
  administrative services to the Funds.

                              HOW THE FUNDS INVEST

       The chief consideration in the selection of equity securities for each
  Fund is the size of the discount of market price relative to the economic
  value, or underlying value, of the security as determined by the Adviser.  The
  economic or underlying value of a security generally represents the per share
  net present value of the issuer's estimated long-term cash flows.  The Funds
  may also employ the techniques described below under "Investment Techniques."

       OAKMARK FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
  in equity securities.  Although income is considered in the selection of
  securities, the Fund is not designed for investors whose primary investment
  objective is income.
    
       The Fund invests principally in securities of U.S. issuers. However, it
  may invest up to 25% of its total assets (valued at the time of investment) in
  securities of non-U.S. issuers, including foreign government obligations and
  foreign equity and debt securities that are traded over-the-counter or on
  foreign exchanges. There are no geographic limits on the Fund's foreign
  investments, but the Fund does not expect to invest more than 5% of its assets
  in securities of issuers based in emerging markets. See "Risk Factors -
  International Investing" below.     

       SMALL CAP FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
  primarily in equity securities.  Under normal market conditions, the Fund
  invests at least 65% of its total assets, taken at market value, in companies
  whose market capitalization is less than $1 billion ("small cap companies") at
  the time of purchase.  A company's market capitalization is the total market
  value of its outstanding common stock.  Although income is considered in the
  selection of securities, the Fund is not designed for investors whose primary
  investment objective is income.
    
       The Fund invests principally in securities of U.S. issuers. However, it
  may invest up to 25% of its total assets (valued at the time of investment) in
  securities of non-U.S. issuers, including foreign government obligations and
  foreign equity and debt securities that are traded over-the-counter or on
  foreign exchanges. There are no geographic limits on the Fund's foreign
  investments, but the Fund does not expect to invest more than 5% of its assets
  in securities of issuers based in emerging markets. See "Risk Factors -
  International Investing" below.     

       BALANCED FUND seeks high current income and preservation and growth of
  capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income
  securities.  The Fund is intended to present a balanced investment program
  between growth and income.  It generally invests approximately 50-65% of its
  total assets in equity securities, including securities convertible into
  equity securities, 25-50% of its assets in U.S. Government securities and debt
  securities rated at time of purchase within the two highest grades assigned by
  Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa or Aa) or by Standard &
  Poor's Corporation 

<PAGE>
 
  ("S&P") (AAA or AA), and up to 20% in unrated or lower rated debt securities
  (measured at market value at the time of investment).
    
       The Fund invests principally in securities of U.S. issuers.  However, it
  may invest up to 10% of its total assets (valued at the time of investment) in
  securities of non-U.S. issuers, including foreign government obligations and
  foreign equity and debt securities that are traded over-the-counter or on
  foreign exchanges. The Fund has no geographic limits on its foreign
  investments, but the Fund does not expect to invest more than 5% of its assets
  in securities of issuers based in emerging markets. See "Risk Factors -
  International Investing" below.     

       SELECT FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
  in a non-diversified portfolio of equity securities.
    
       The Fund invests principally in securities of U.S. issuers.  However, it
  may invest up to 25% of its total assets (valued at the time of investment) in
  securities of non-U.S. issuers, including foreign government obligations and
  foreign equity and debt securities that are traded over-the-counter or on
  foreign exchanges.  There are no geographic limits on the Fund's foreign
  investments, but the Fund does not expect to invest more than 5% of its assets
  in securities of issuers based in emerging markets.  See "Risk Factors -
  International Investing" below.      

       INTERNATIONAL FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
  primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers.

       The Adviser considers the relative political and economic stability of
  the issuer's home country, the ownership status of the company, and the
  company's accounting practices in evaluating the potential rewards and risks
  of an investment opportunity.  The Fund may invest in securities traded in
  mature markets (for example, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom), in less
  developed markets (for example, Mexico and Thailand), and in selected emerging
  markets (such as Peru and India).  Investments in securities of non-U.S.
  issuers, especially those traded in less developed or emerging markets,
  present additional risk.  There are no limits on the Fund's geographic asset
  distribution, but, to provide adequate diversification, the Fund ordinarily
  invests in the securities markets of at least five countries outside the
  United States.  See "Risk Factors - International Investing" below.

       Some foreign governments have been engaged in programs of selling part or
  all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises
  ("privatizations").  The Adviser believes that privatizations may offer
  opportunities for significant capital appreciation, and intends to invest
  assets of the Fund in privatizations in appropriate circumstances.  In certain
  of those markets, the ability of foreign entities such as the Fund to
  participate in privatizations may be limited by local law and/or the terms on
  which the Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than
  those afforded local investors.  There can be no assurance that governments
  will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that
  privatization programs will be successful.

       The equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common and
  preferred stocks and warrants or other similar rights and convertible
  securities.  The Fund may purchase securities of non-U.S. issuers directly or
  in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary
  Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), or other securities
  representing underlying shares of non-U.S. issuers.  Under normal market
  conditions, the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets, taken at market
  value, in securities of non-U.S. issuers.

       INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by
  investing primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers that have small
  market capitalizations or that are located in emerging markets.

                                       11
 
<PAGE>
 
       The Adviser considers the relative political and economic stability of
  the issuer's home country, the ownership structure of the company, and the
  company's accounting practices in evaluating the potential rewards and risks
  of an investment opportunity.  The Fund invests in securities traded in both
  developed and emerging markets.  In those markets considered developed (for
  example, Germany, France and Japan), the Fund invests in small cap companies,
  generally expected to have market capitalizations under $1 billion.  In
  emerging markets (such as Brazil, Indonesia, Korea and Argentina), the Fund
  considers companies of any capitalization.  Investments in securities of non-
  U.S. issuers, especially those traded in less developed or emerging markets,
  present additional risks.  There are no limits on the Fund's geographic asset
  distribution, but, to provide adequate diversification, the Fund ordinarily
  invests in the securities markets of at least five countries outside the
  United States.  See "Risk Factors - International Investing" below.

       Some foreign governments have been engaged in programs of selling part or
  all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises
  ("privatizations").  The Adviser believes that privatizations may offer
  opportunities for significant capital appreciation, and intends to invest
  assets of the Fund in privatizations in appropriate circumstances.  In certain
  of those markets, the ability of foreign entities such as the Fund to
  participate in privatizations may be limited by local law and/or the terms on
  which the Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than
  those afforded local investors.  There can be no assurance that governments
  will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that
  privatization programs will be successful.

    
       The equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common and
  preferred stocks and warrants or other similar rights and convertible
  securities. The Fund may purchase securities of non-U.S. issuers directly or
  in the form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, or other securities representing underlying
  shares of non-U.S. issuers. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests
  at least 65% of its total assets, taken at market value, in securities of non-
  U.S. issuers.
     
                           ___________________________

       Under normal market conditions, each Fund expects to be substantially
  fully invested in the types of securities described in the preceding
  paragraphs.  Within the limitations described in this prospectus, the
  percentages of Fund assets invested in various types of securities will vary
  in accordance with the judgment of the Adviser.  To the extent that
  investments meeting a Fund's criteria for investment are not available, or
  when the Adviser considers a temporary defensive posture advisable, the Fund
  may invest without limitation in high-quality corporate debt obligations of
  U.S. companies or U.S. government obligations, or may hold cash in domestic or
  foreign currencies or invest in domestic or foreign money market securities.

       In seeking to achieve its investment objective, each Fund ordinarily
  invests on a long-term basis, but on occasion may also invest on a short-term
  basis (for example, where short-term perceptions have created a significant
  gap between price and value).  Occasionally, securities purchased on a long-
  term basis may be sold within 12 months after purchase in light of a change in
  the circumstances of a particular company or industry or in general market or
  economic conditions.

                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES

       EQUITY SECURITIES.  The equity securities in which each Fund may invest
  include common and preferred stocks and warrants or other similar rights and
  convertible securities.  The chief consideration in the selection of equity
  securities for each Fund is the size of the discount of market price relative
  to the economic value of the security as determined by the Adviser.  The
  Adviser's investment philosophy for those investments is predicated on the
  belief that over time market price and value converge and that investment in
  securities priced significantly below long-term value presents the best
  opportunity to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
       The Adviser uses several qualitative and quantitative methods in
  analyzing economic value, but considers the primary determinant of value to be
  the enterprise's long-run ability to generate cash for its owners.  Once the
  Adviser has determined that a security is undervalued, the Adviser will
  consider it for purchase by a Fund, taking into account the quality and
  motivation of the management, the firm's market position within its industry
  and its degree of pricing power.  The Adviser believes that the risks of
  equity investing are often reduced if management's interests are strongly
  aligned with the interests of its stockholders.

       DEBT SECURITIES.  Each Fund may invest in debt securities of both
  governmental and corporate issuers.  Each of Oakmark Fund, Small Cap Fund and
  Select Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets, Balanced Fund may invest up to
  20% of its assets, and International Fund and International Emerging Fund may
  invest up to 10% of its assets (valued at the time of investment), in debt
  securities that are rated below investment grade, without a minimum rating
  requirement.  Lower-grade debt securities (commonly called "junk bonds") are
  obligations of issuers rated BB or lower by S&P or Ba or lower by Moody's.
  Lower-grade debt securities are considered speculative and may be in poor
  standing or actually in default.  Medium-grade debt securities are those rated
  BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's.  Securities so rated are considered to have
  speculative characteristics.  See "Risk Factors."  A description of the
  ratings used by S&P and Moody's is included as an appendix to the Statement of
  Additional Information.

       SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX.  Each Fund may sell short securities the
  Fund owns or has the right to acquire without further consideration, a
  technique called selling short "against the box."  Short sales against the box
  may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of its portfolio
  securities because any unrealized losses with respect to such securities
  should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short
  position.  However, any potential gains in such securities should be wholly or
  partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position.  Short sales
  against the box may be used to lock in a profit on a security when, for tax
  reasons or otherwise, the Adviser does not want to sell the security.  The
  Trust does not currently expect that more than 20% of any Fund's total assets
  would be involved in short sales against the box.  For a more complete
  explanation, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information.

       CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.  Each Fund may engage in currency
  exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate for
  purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange market or
  through a forward currency exchange contract ("forward contract").  A forward
  contract is an agreement to purchase or sell a specified currency at a
  specified future date (or within a specified time period) and price set at the
  time of the contract.  Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks
  and broker-dealers, are not exchange-traded and are usually for less than one
  year, but may be renewed.

       Forward currency transactions may involve currencies of the different
  countries in which a Fund may invest, and serve as hedges against possible
  variations in the exchange rate between these currencies.  The Funds' forward
  currency transactions are limited to transaction hedging and portfolio hedging
  involving either specific transactions or actual or anticipated portfolio
  positions.  Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of a forward contract
  with respect to a specific receivable or payable of a Fund accruing in
  connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.  Portfolio
  hedging is the use of a forward contract with respect to an actual or
  anticipated portfolio security position denominated or quoted in a particular
  currency.  Each Fund may engage in portfolio hedging with respect to the
  currency of a particular country in amounts approximating actual or
  anticipated positions in securities denominated in such currency.  When a Fund
  owns or anticipates owning securities in countries whose currencies are
  linked, the Adviser may aggregate such positions as to the currency hedged.
  Although forward contracts may be used to protect a Fund from adverse currency
  movements, the use of such hedges may reduce or eliminate the potentially
  positive effect of currency revaluations on the Fund's total return.

       OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.  Certain markets are closed in whole or in
  part to equity investments by foreigners.  A Fund may be able to invest in
  such markets solely or primarily through 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
  governmentally authorized investment vehicles or companies. Each Fund
  generally may invest up to 10% of its assets in the aggregate in shares of
  other investment companies and up to 5% of its assets in any one investment
  company, as long as no investment represents more than 3% of the outstanding
  voting stock of the acquired investment company at the time of investment.

       Investment in another investment company may involve the payment of a
  premium above the value of such issuers' portfolio securities, and is subject
  to market availability.  The Trust does not intend to invest in such vehicles
  or funds unless, in the judgment of the Adviser, the potential benefits of the
  investment justify the payment of any applicable premium or sales charge.  As
  a shareholder in an investment company, a Fund would bear its ratable share of
  that investment company's expenses, including its advisory and administration
  fees.  At the same time the Fund would continue to pay its own management fees
  and other expenses.

       WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES.  Each Fund may purchase
  securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities on a
  "forward commitment" basis in order to hedge against anticipated changes in
  interest rates and prices.  There is a risk that the securities may not be
  delivered or that they may decline in value before the settlement date.

       PRIVATE PLACEMENTS.  Each Fund may acquire securities in private
  placements.  Because an active trading market may not exist for such
  securities, the sale of such securities may be subject to delay and additional
  costs.  No Fund will purchase such a security if more than 15% of the value of
  such Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.

       LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES.  Each Fund except Oakmark Fund may lend
  its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and banks to the extent indicated
  in restriction 5 under "Restrictions on the Funds' Investment."  Any such loan
  must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents
  maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value
  of the securities loaned by a Fund.  The Fund would continue to receive the
  equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities
  loaned, and would also receive an additional return that may be in the form of
  a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral.  The Fund would have the right
  to call the loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not
  more than five business days.  In the event of bankruptcy or other default of
  the borrower, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the loan
  collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses including (a)
  possible decline in the value of the collateral or in the value of the
  securities loaned during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights
  thereto, (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income
  during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
    
       OPTIONS. Each Fund may purchase both call options and put options on
  securities. A call or put option is a contract that gives the Fund, in return
  for a premium paid on purchase of the option, the right to buy from, or to
  sell to, the seller of the option the security underlying the option at a
  specified exercise price during the term of the option.
     
       CASH RESERVES.  To meet liquidity needs or for temporary defensive
  purposes, each Fund may hold cash in domestic and foreign currencies and may
  invest in domestic and foreign money market securities.

                                  RISK FACTORS

       GENERAL.  All investments, including those in mutual funds, have risks,
  and no investment is suitable for all investors.  Each Fund is intended for
  long-term investors. Only Balanced Fund is intended to present a balanced
  investment program between growth and income.

       SMALL CAP COMPANIES.  During some periods, the securities of small cap
  companies, as a class, have performed better than the securities of large
  companies, and in some periods they have performed worse.  Stocks of small cap
  companies tend to be more volatile and less liquid than stocks of large
  companies.  Small cap companies, as compared to larger companies, may have a
  shorter history of operations, may not have as great an ability to raise
  additional capital, may have a less diversified product line making them
  susceptible to market pressure, and may have a smaller public market for their
  shares.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
       INTERNATIONAL INVESTING.  International Fund and International Emerging
  Fund provide long-term investors with an opportunity to invest a portion of
  their assets in a diversified portfolio of securities of non-U.S. issuers.
  Each of the other Funds may invest up to 25% (or 10% in the case of Balanced
  Fund) of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers.  International
  investing allows you to achieve greater diversification and to take advantage
  of changes in foreign economies and market conditions.  Many foreign economies
  have, from time to time, grown faster than the U.S. economy, and the returns
  on investments in these countries have exceeded those of similar U.S.
  investments, although there can be no assurance that these conditions will
  continue.

       You should understand and consider carefully the greater risks involved
  in investing internationally.  Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers,
  positions in which are generally denominated in foreign currencies, and
  utilization of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve both
  opportunities and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S.
  securities.  These include: fluctuations in exchange rates of foreign
  currencies; possible imposition of exchange control regulation or currency
  restrictions that would prevent cash from being brought back to the United
  States; less public information with respect to issuers of securities; less
  governmental supervision of stock exchanges, securities brokers and issuers of
  securities; different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards;
  different settlement periods and trading practices; less liquidity and
  frequently greater price volatility in foreign markets than in the United
  States; imposition of foreign taxes; and sometimes less advantageous legal,
  operational and financial protections applicable to foreign subcustodial
  arrangements.

       Although the Funds try to invest in companies and governments of
  countries having stable political environments, there is the possibility of
  restriction of foreign investment, expropriation of assets, or confiscatory
  taxation, seizure or nationalization of foreign bank deposits or other assets,
  establishment of exchange controls, the adoption of foreign government
  restrictions, or other adverse political, social or diplomatic developments
  that could affect investment in these nations.  Economies in individual
  emerging markets may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in
  such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation,
  currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
  balance of payments positions.  Many emerging market countries have
  experienced high rates of inflation for many years, which has had and may
  continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets
  of those countries.

       The securities markets of emerging countries are substantially smaller,
  less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of
  the United States and other more developed countries.  Disclosure and
  regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the U.S. and
  other major markets.  There also may be a lower level of monitoring and
  regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such
  markets, and enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited.

       Any Fund may invest in ADRs, EDRs or GDRs that are not sponsored by the
  issuer of the underlying security.  To the extent it does so, the Fund would
  probably bear its proportionate share of the expenses of the depository and
  might have greater difficulty in receiving copies of the issuer's shareholder
  communications than would be the case with a sponsored ADR, EDR or GDR.

       The cost of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers is higher than
  the cost of investing in U.S. securities.  International Fund and
  International Emerging Fund provide an efficient way for an individual to
  participate in foreign markets, but their expenses, including advisory and
  custody fees, are higher than for a typical domestic equity fund.

       DEBT SECURITIES.  As noted above, each Fund may invest to a limited
  extent in debt securities that are rated below investment grade or, if
  unrated, are considered by the Fund's investment adviser to be of comparable
  quality.  A decline in prevailing levels of interest rates generally increases
  the value of debt securities in a Fund's portfolio, while an increase in rates
  usually reduces the value of those securities.  As a result, to the extent
  that a Fund invests in debt securities, interest rate fluctuations will affect
  its net asset value, but not the income it receives from its debt securities.
  In addition, if the debt securities contain call, 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
  prepayment or redemption provisions, during a period of declining interest
  rates, those securities are likely to be redeemed, and the Fund would probably
  be unable to replace them with securities having as great a yield.

       Investment in medium- or lower-grade debt securities involves greater
  investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default or bankruptcy.
  An economic downturn could severely disrupt this market and adversely affect
  the value of outstanding bonds and the ability of the issuers to repay
  principal and interest.  In addition, lower-quality bonds are less sensitive
  to interest rate changes than higher-quality instruments and generally are
  more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate
  developments.  During a period of adverse economic changes, including a period
  of rising interest rates, issuers of such bonds may experience difficulty in
  servicing their principal and interest payment obligations.

       Furthermore, medium- and lower-grade debt securities tend to be less
  marketable than higher-quality debt securities because the market for them is
  less broad.  The market for unrated debt securities is even narrower.  During
  periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked
  prices is likely to increase significantly, and the Fund may have greater
  difficulty selling its portfolio securities.  The market value of these
  securities and their liquidity may be affected by adverse publicity and
  investor perceptions.
    
       DIVERSIFICATION OF SELECT FUND.  As a "non-diversified" Fund, Select
  Fund has the ability to invest a larger percentage of its assets in a smaller
  number of issuers than a "diversified" Fund. Because the appreciation or
  depreciation of a single portfolio security may have a greater impact on the
  net asset value of the Fund, the net asset value per share of the Fund can be
  expected to fluctuate more than that of a comparable "diversified" Fund. See
  Investment Restriction Number 1, below.    

       CHANGE IN OBJECTIVE.  Each Fund's investment objective may be changed by
  the board of trustees without shareholder approval.  Shareholders would
  receive at least 30 days' written notice of any change in a Fund's objective.
  If there is a change in investment objective, you should consider whether the
  Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial
  position and needs.  There can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its
  investment objective.

                     RESTRICTIONS ON THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS

       No Fund will:
    
       1.  [Funds other than Select Fund] In regard to 75% of its assets, invest
  more than 5% of its assets (valued at the time of investment) in securities of
  any one issuer, except in U.S. government obligations; [Select Fund] invest
  more than 25% of its assets (valued at the time of investment) in securities
  of any one issuer, except in U.S. government obligations, nor, in respect of
  50% of its assets, invest more than 5% of its assets (valued at the time of
  investment) in securities of any one issuer, except in U.S. government
  obligations;     

       2.  Acquire securities of any one issuer which at the time of investment
  (a) represent more than 10% of the voting securities of the issuer, or (b)
  have a value greater than 10% of the value of the outstanding securities of
  the issuer;

       3.  Borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes in
  amounts not exceeding 10% of the value of the Fund's assets at the time of
  borrowing [the Fund will not purchase additional securities when its
  borrowings, less receivables from portfolio securities sold, exceed 5% of
  total assets];

       4.  Issue any senior security except in connection with permitted
  borrowings; or

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
       5.  Make loans, except that each Fund may invest in debt obligations and
  repurchase agreements,/*/ and each Fund other than Oakmark Fund may lend its
  portfolio securities [a Fund will not lend securities having a value in excess
  of 33% of its assets (valued at the time of any loan)].


       These restrictions, except the bracketed portions and the footnote, are
  "fundamental" and cannot be changed as to a Fund without the approval of a
  "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of that Fund as defined in the
  Investment Company Act of 1940.  All of the Funds' investment restrictions,
  including additional fundamental restrictions, are set forth in the Statement
  of Additional Information.

                             HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES

       You may purchase shares of any of the Funds by check, by wire, by
  electronic transfer or by exchange.  There are no sales commissions or
  underwriting discounts.  The minimum initial investment for Oakmark Fund and
  International Fund is $2,500 and $1,000 for the other Funds, except that the
  minimum is $1,000 for (a) an investment in an Oakmark IRA account, (b) a gift
  or transfer to a minor under a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ("UGMA") or a
  Uniform Transfers to Minors Act ("UTMA"), or (c) an investment through the
  Automatic Investment Plan (see "Shareholder Services" below).  Minimum
  subsequent investments are $100, except for reinvestments of dividends and
  capital gain distributions.

       BY CHECK.  To make an initial purchase of shares, complete and sign the
  Share Purchase Application and mail it to the Trust's transfer agent, State
  Street Bank and Trust Company, Attention:  Oakmark Funds, P.O. Box 8510,
  Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8510, together with a check for the total purchase
  amount payable to State Street Bank and Trust Company.
    
       You may make subsequent investments by submitting a check along with
  either the stub from your Fund account confirmation statement or a note
  indicating the amount of the purchase, your account number, and the name in
  which your account is registered.  EACH INDIVIDUAL CHECK SUBMITTED FOR
  PURCHASE MUST BE AT LEAST $100, AND THE TRUST WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH, DRAFTS,
  THIRD PARTY CHECKS, OR CHECKS DRAWN ON BANKS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.  If
  your order to purchase shares of a Fund is canceled because your check does
  not clear, you will be responsible for any resulting loss incurred by the
  Fund.     

       BY WIRE.  You may also pay for shares by instructing your bank to wire
  money to the Trust's custodian bank.  Your bank may charge you a fee for
  sending the wire.  IF YOU ARE OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT BY WIRE TRANSFER, YOU MUST
  FIRST TELEPHONE THE TRANSFER AGENT AT 1-800-626-9392 TO REQUEST AN ACCOUNT
  NUMBER AND FURNISH YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
  Neither the Funds nor the Trust will be responsible for the consequences of
  delays, including delays in the banking or Federal Reserve wire systems.

       BY ELECTRONIC TRANSFER.  If you have an established Fund account with an
  established electronic transfer privilege you may make subsequent investments
  by an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account.  Electronic
  transfer allows you to make purchases at your request by calling 1-800-626-
  9392 or at pre-scheduled intervals.  See "Shareholder Services."  Electronic
  transfer purchases are subject to a $100 minimum and a $50,000 maximum.  You
  may not open a new account through electronic transfer.  If 


- ----------------
/*/  A repurchase agreement involves a sale of securities to a Fund with the
     concurrent agreement of the seller (bank or securities dealer) to
     repurchase the securities at the same price plus an amount equal to an
     agreed-upon interest rate within a specified time. In the event of a
     bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund
     could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and
     losses. No Fund may invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase
     agreements maturing in more than seven days and other illiquid securities.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
  your order to purchase shares of a Fund is canceled because your electronic
  transfer does not clear, you will be responsible for any resulting loss
  incurred by the Fund.
    
       BY EXCHANGE.  You may purchase shares of a Fund by exchange of shares
  from another Fund or by exchange of Service Units of GS Short Duration Tax-
  Free Fund, a portfolio of Goldman Sachs Trust, or of ILA Service Units of
  Government Portfolio or Tax-Exempt Portfolio, each a portfolio of Goldman
  Sachs-Institutional Liquid Assets (such Service Units and ILA Service Units
  are referred to as "Oakmark Units"), either by phone (if the Telephone
  Exchange Privilege has been established on the account from which the exchange
  is being made) or by mail. AN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION IS A SALE AND PURCHASE OF
  SHARES FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES AND MAY RESULT IN CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS.
  IF YOU EXCHANGE SHARES OF SMALL CAP FUND OR INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND WITHIN
  SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO A 2% REDEMPTION FEE PAYABLE
  TO THE FUND. HOWEVER, NO REDEMPTION FEE IS CHARGED ON REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
  HELD IN AN OMNIBUS ACCOUNT OF A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, SUCH AS A SECURITIES
  BROKER-DEALER OR BANK. GENERALLY YOU MAY NOT MAKE MORE THAN SIX EXCHANGES FROM
  ANY FUND IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR, AND THE TRUST MAY REFUSE REQUESTS FOR MORE
  FREQUENT EXCHANGES. Restrictions apply and there is a charge (currently $5)
  for each exchange into Oakmark Units; please review the information under "How
  to Redeem Shares -- By Exchange."     

       PURCHASE PRICE AND EFFECTIVE DATE.  Each purchase of a Fund's shares is
  made at that Fund's net asset value (see "Net Asset Value") next determined as
  follows:

       A purchase BY CHECK OR WIRE TRANSFER is made at the net asset value next
       determined after receipt by the Fund of the check or wire transfer of
       funds in payment of the purchase. 

       A purchase BY ELECTRONIC TRANSFER is made at the net asset value next
       determined after receipt of your electronic transfer investment
       instruction.

    
       A purchase THROUGH A DEALER OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION with whom the Trust
       has an agreement is made at the net asset value next determined after
       receipt of the order by the Trust's transfer agent.     

       PURCHASES THROUGH DEALERS.  You may purchase or redeem shares of the
  Funds through certain investment dealers, banks or other institutions.  Any
  such purchase or redemption generally will not be effective until the order or
  request is received by the Trust's transfer agent; it is the responsibility of
  the dealer to transmit your order or request promptly.  These institutions may
  impose charges for their services.  Any such charges could constitute a
  substantial portion of a smaller account, and may not be in your best
  interest.  You may purchase or redeem shares of the Funds directly from or
  with the Trust without imposition of any charges other than those described in
  this prospectus.

       GENERAL.  The Trust cannot accept a purchase order specifying a
  particular purchase date or price per share.  Each purchase order for a Fund
  must be accepted by an authorized officer of the Trust or its transfer agent
  and is not binding until accepted and entered on the books of that Fund.  Once
  your purchase order has been accepted, you may not cancel or revoke it;
  however, you may redeem the shares.  The Trust reserves the right not to
  accept any purchase order that it determines not to be in the best interest of
  the Trust or of a Fund's shareholders.  The Trust will not be responsible for
  any losses resulting from unauthorized transactions initiated by telephone if
  it or its transfer agent follows reasonable procedures designed to verify  the
  identity of the caller.  Those procedures may include recording the call,
  requesting additional information and sending written confirmation of
  telephone transactions.  You should verify the accuracy of telephone
  transactions immediately upon receipt of your confirmation statement.

                              HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

       BY MAIL.  You may redeem all or any part of your shares of a Fund upon
  your written request delivered to the Trust's transfer agent, State Street
  Bank and Trust Company, Attention:  Oakmark Funds, P.O. Box 8510, Boston,
  Massachusetts 02266-8510.  Your redemption request must:

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
       (1) identify the Fund and give your account number;
       (2) specify the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed; and
       (3) be signed in ink by all owners exactly as their names appear on the
           account.

  Your request must also INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE if any of the following
  situations applies:

       .  you wish to redeem more than $50,000 worth of shares;

       .  your account registration has been changed within the last 30 days;

       .  the redemption check is to be mailed to an address different from the
          one on your account (record address);

       .  the redemption check is to be made payable to someone other than the
          registered account owner; or

       .  you are instructing us to wire the proceeds to a bank account and have
          not signed up for the telephone redemption privilege.


  You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, securities
  broker-dealer, credit union (if authorized under state law), securities
  exchange or association, clearing agency or savings association, but not a
  notary public.  The signature guarantee must include an ink-stamped guarantee
  for each signature on the redemption request and must include the name of the
  guarantor bank or firm and an authorized signature.


       Special rules apply to redemptions by corporations, trusts and
  partnerships.  In the case of a corporation, the request must be signed in the
  name of the corporation by an officer whose title must be stated, and must be
  accompanied by a bylaw provision or resolution of the board of directors,
  certified within 60 days, authorizing the officer to so act.  A redemption
  request from a partnership or a trust must be signed in the name of the
  partnership or trust by a general partner or a trustee and include a signature
  guarantee.  If the trustee is not named in the account registration, a
  redemption request by a trust must also include evidence of the trustee's
  appointment as such (e.g., a certified copy of the relevant portions of the
  trust instrument).  Under certain circumstances, before the shares can be
  redeemed, additional documents may be required in order to verify the
  authority of the person seeking to redeem.
    
       BY EXCHANGE.  You may redeem all or any portion of your shares of a Fund
  or of Oakmark Units and use the proceeds to purchase shares of any of the
  other Funds or Oakmark Units if your signed, properly completed Application is
  on file.  AN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION IS A SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES FOR FEDERAL
  INCOME TAX PURPOSES AND MAY RESULT IN CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS.  IF YOU EXCHANGE
  SHARES OF SMALL CAP FUND OR INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND WITHIN SIX MONTHS
  AFTER PURCHASE, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO A 2% REDEMPTION FEE PAYABLE TO THE
  FUND. However, no redemption fee is charged on redemptions of shares held in
  an omnibus account of a financial institution, such as a securities broker-
  dealer or bank. GENERALLY YOU MAY NOT MAKE MORE THAN SIX EXCHANGES FROM ANY
  FUND IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR, AND THE TRUST MAY REFUSE REQUESTS FOR MORE FREQUENT
  EXCHANGES. Before exchanging into Oakmark Units, you should obtain the
  prospectus relating to the Oakmark Units from the Adviser and read it
  carefully. The exchange privilege is not an offering or recommendation of
  Oakmark Units. The registration of the account to which you are making an
  exchange must be exactly the same as that of the account from which the
  exchange is made and the amount you exchange must meet any applicable minimum
  investment of the fund being purchased. An exchange may be made by following
  the redemption procedure described above under "By Mail" and indicating the
  fund to be purchased, except that a signature guarantee normally is not
  required. See also the discussion below of the Telephone Exchange Privilege.
  The Trust charges a fee (currently $5) for each exchange into Oakmark Units.
     
       SPECIAL REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES.  The Telephone Exchange and Telephone
  Redemption Privileges will be established automatically when you open your
  account unless you elect on your 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
  Application to decline these Privileges. Other Privileges must be specifically
  elected. A signature guarantee may be required to establish a Privilege after
  you have opened your account. Shares held in an IRA account may not be
  redeemed by telephone. YOU MAY NOT EXCHANGE OR REDEEM SHARES BY CALLING THE
  TRUST. CALL THE TRANSFER AGENT AT 1-800-626-9392. YOUR CALL WILL BE RECORDED.

       TELEPHONE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE -- You may use the Telephone Exchange
       Privilege to exchange among shares of the Funds and Oakmark Units by
       calling 1-800-626-9392.  An exchange request received by telephone after
       4 p.m. eastern time (or after the close of regular session trading on the
       New York Stock Exchange if the Exchange closes before 4 p.m.) is deemed
       received on the next business day.  The Trust's general redemption
       policies apply to redemptions by Telephone Exchange.  See "General
       Redemption Policies."

       The Trust reserves the right at any time without prior notice to suspend
       or terminate the use of the Telephone Exchange Privilege by any person or
       class of persons.  The Trust believes that use of the Telephone Exchange
       Privilege by investors utilizing market-timing strategies adversely
       affects the Funds.  THEREFORE, THE TRUST GENERALLY WILL NOT HONOR
       REQUESTS FOR TELEPHONE EXCHANGES BY SHAREHOLDERS IDENTIFIED BY THE TRUST
       AS "MARKET-TIMERS."  Moreover, you may not make more than six exchanges
       from any Fund in any calendar year.  Although the Trust will attempt to
       give prior notice of a suspension or termination of an exchange privilege
       when it is reasonably able to do so, the suspension or termination may be
       effective immediately, thereby preventing any uncompleted exchange.  See
       "How to Redeem Shares -- By Exchange."

       During periods of volatile economic and market conditions, you may have
       difficulty placing your exchange by telephone; you may wish to consider
       placing your exchange by mail during such periods.

            TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE -- You may use the Telephone
       Redemption Privilege to redeem shares having a value of up to $50,000 per
       day from your account by calling 1-800-626-9392.  The proceeds may be
       sent by check to your registered address or you may request payment by
       electronic transfer to a checking account previously designated by you at
       a bank that is a member of the Automated Clearing House.  REDEMPTIONS BY
       TELEPHONE ARE SUBJECT TO A $50,000 MAXIMUM.  A redemption request
       received by telephone after 4 p.m. eastern time (or after the close of
       regular session trading on the New York Stock Exchange if the Exchange
       closes before 4 p.m.) is deemed received on the next business day.  The
       Telephone Redemption Privilege is not available to redeem shares held in
       an IRA account, and is not available for 30 days after the Trust receives
       notice from you of a change of address.

       GENERAL REDEMPTION POLICIES.  You may not cancel or revoke your
  redemption order once your instructions have been received and accepted.  The
  Trust cannot accept a redemption request that specifies a particular date or
  price for redemption or any special conditions.  PLEASE TELEPHONE THE TRANSFER
  AGENT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT REQUIREMENTS FOR A REDEMPTION BEFORE
  SUBMITTING YOUR REQUEST.  The Trust reserves the right to require a properly
  completed Application before making payment for shares redeemed.
    
       The price at which your redemption order will be executed is the net
  asset value next determined after proper redemption instructions are received.
  See "Net Asset Value."  Because the redemption price you receive depends upon
  that Fund's net asset value per share at the time of redemption, it may be
  more or less than the price you originally paid for the shares and may result
  in a realized capital gain or loss.  In the case of Small Cap Fund or
  International Emerging Fund, the Fund charges a 2% redemption fee on shares
  redeemed (including by exchange) within six months after purchase (other than
  by reinvestment of dividends or distributions), determined on a first-in,
  first-out basis. However, no redemption fee is charged on redemptions of 
  shares held in an omnibus account of a financial institution, such as a 
  securities broker-dealer or bank.
     
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
       The Trust will generally mail payment for shares redeemed within seven
  days after proper instructions are received.  If you attempt to redeem shares
  within 15 days after they have been purchased by check or electronic transfer,
  the Trust may delay payment of the redemption proceeds to you until it can
  verify that payment for the purchase of those shares has been (or will be)
  collected.  To reduce such delays, the Trust recommends that your purchase be
  made by Federal funds wire through your bank.  If you so request, the proceeds
  of your redemption may be paid by wire, but the cost of the wire (currently
  $5) will be deducted from the redemption proceeds.

       Neither the Trust, its transfer agent, nor their respective officers,
  trustees, directors, employees, or agents will be responsible for the
  authenticity of instructions provided under the Special Redemption Privileges,
  nor for any loss, liability, cost or expense for acting upon instructions
  furnished thereunder if they reasonably believe that such instructions are
  genuine.  The Funds employ procedures reasonably designed to confirm that
  instructions communicated by telephone under any Special Redemption Privilege
  are genuine.  Use of any Special Redemption Privilege authorizes the Funds and
  their transfer agent to tape-record all instructions to redeem.  In addition,
  callers are asked to identify the account number and registration, and may be
  required to provide other forms of identification.  Written confirmations of
  transactions are mailed promptly to the registered address; a legend on the
  confirmation requests the shareholder to review the transactions and inform
  the Fund immediately if there is a problem.  If a Fund does not follow
  reasonable procedures for protecting shareholders against loss on telephone
  transactions, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
  fraudulent instructions.

       The Trust reserves the right at any time without prior notice to suspend,
  limit, modify or terminate any privilege or its use in any manner by any
  person or class.  The Trust also reserves the right to redeem shares in any
  account and send  the proceeds to the owner if the shares in the account do
  not have a value of at least $1,000.  A shareholder would be notified that the
  account is below the minimum and allowed 30 days to bring the account value up
  to the minimum.

       Shares in any account you maintain with a Fund may be redeemed to the
  extent necessary to reimburse a Fund for any loss it sustains that is caused
  by you (such as losses from uncollected checks and electronic transfers or any
  Fund liability under the Internal Revenue Code provisions on backup
  withholding relating to your account).

                              SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
    
       REPORTING TO SHAREHOLDERS. You will receive a confirmation statement
  reflecting each of your purchases and redemptions of shares of a Fund, as well
  as periodic statements detailing distributions made by that Fund.  Shares
  purchased by reinvestment of dividends or pursuant to an automatic plan will
  be confirmed to you quarterly. In addition, the Trust will send you quarterly
  and annual reports showing Fund portfolio holdings and will provide you
  annually with tax information.    

       IRA PLAN.  The Trust has a master individual retirement account (IRA)
  plan that allows you to invest on a tax-sheltered basis in the Funds or
  Oakmark Units of the Government Portfolio of Goldman, Sachs Money Market
  Trust.  The plan also permits you to "roll over" or transfer to your Oakmark
  IRA a lump sum distribution from a qualified pension or profit-sharing plan,
  thereby postponing federal income tax on the distribution.  If your employer
  has a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP), you may establish an IRA with
  the Fund to which your employer may contribute, subject to special rules
  designed to avoid discrimination.

       SPECIAL WAYS TO INVEST OR REDEEM.  In addition to the ways to purchase or
  redeem shares described above, the New Account Purchase Application offers you
  the following additional investment and redemption options:

<PAGE>
 
       AUTOMATIC INVESTMENTS -- purchase Fund shares each month with payment by
       electronic transfer from your bank account ($1,000 minimum initial
       investment; $100-50,000 per monthly transaction).

       TELEPHONE INVESTMENTS -- purchase shares in an established Fund account
       with an established electronic transfer privilege by placing a telephone
       order and paying for them by electronic transfer from your bank account
       ($100-50,000 per transaction).

       AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE -- automatically exchange (monthly, quarterly or
       annually) a fixed dollar amount among any of the Funds of the Trust and
       Oakmark Units ($100-50,000 per transaction), subject to the applicable
       minimum investment requirements.

       SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS -- redeem a fixed dollar amount each month or
       quarter and have the proceeds sent by check to you or deposited by
       electronic transfer into your bank account (up to $50,000 per
       transaction).

  You may establish any of these privileges by completing the Share Purchase
  Application.  If you have an established Fund account and want to add one of
  these privileges, please call the Trust at 1-800-OAKMARK to obtain the
  necessary form.

                                NET ASSET VALUE

       The price per share for a purchase order or redemption request is the net
  asset value next determined after receipt of the order.

       The net asset value of a share of each Fund is determined by the Fund's
  custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, as of the close of regular
  session trading on the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern
  time) on any day on which that exchange is open for trading by dividing the
  market value of that Fund's assets, less its liabilities, by the number of
  shares outstanding.  Trading in the portfolio securities of International Fund
  or International Emerging Fund (and in any securities of non-U.S. issuers held
  by any other Fund) takes place in various markets on days and at times other
  than when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.  Therefore, the
  calculation of net asset value does not take place at the same time as the
  prices of many of those portfolio securities are determined and the value of
  the Funds' portfolios may change on days when the Funds are not open for
  business and their shares may not be purchased or redeemed.

       Price information can be obtained by calling the 24-Hour Net Asset Value
  Hotline, 1-800-GROWOAK (1-800-476-9625).

                                 DISTRIBUTIONS

       Each Fund distributes to shareholders at least annually substantially all
  net investment income and any net capital gains realized from sales of the
  Fund's portfolio securities.  All of your income dividends and capital gain
  distributions will be reinvested in additional shares unless you elect to have
  distributions paid by check.  If any check from a Fund mailed to you is
  returned as undeliverable or is not presented for payment within six months,
  the Trust reserves the right to reinvest the check proceeds and future
  distributions in additional Fund shares.

                                     TAXES

       Dividends from investment income and net short-term capital gains are
  taxable as ordinary income.  Distributions of long-term capital gains are
  taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of the 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
  length of time you have held your Fund shares. Distributions will be taxable
  to you whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares.

       You will be advised annually as to the source of your distributions for
  tax purposes.  If you are not subject to income taxation, you will not be
  required to pay tax on amounts distributed to you.

       If you purchase shares shortly before a record date for a distribution
  you will, in effect, receive a return of a portion of your investment, but the
  distribution will be taxable to you even if the net asset value of your shares
  is reduced below your cost.  However, for federal income tax purposes your
  original cost would continue as your tax basis.  If you redeem shares within
  six months, any loss on the sale of those shares would be long-term capital
  loss to the extent of any distributions of long-term capital gain that you
  have received on those shares.

       Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign
  countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source.  If a
  Fund pays nonrefundable taxes to foreign governments during the year, the
  taxes will reduce that Fund's dividends but will still be included in your
  taxable income.  However, you may be able to claim an offsetting credit or
  deduction on your tax return for your share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund.

       If (a) you fail to (i) furnish your properly certified social security or
  other tax identification number or (ii) certify that your tax identification
  number is correct or that you are not subject to backup withholding due to the
  underreporting of certain income, or (b) the Internal Revenue Service informs
  the Trust that your tax identification number is incorrect, the Trust may be
  required to withhold Federal income tax at a rate of 31% ("backup
  withholding") from certain payments (including redemption proceeds) to you.
  These certifications are contained in the New Account Purchase Application
  that you should complete and return when you open an account.  The Fund must
  promptly pay to the IRS all amounts withheld.  Therefore, it is usually not
  possible for the Fund to reimburse you for amounts withheld.  You may claim
  the amount withheld as a credit on your Federal income tax return.

       This discussion of U.S. and foreign taxation applies only to U.S.
  shareholders and is not intended to be a full discussion of income tax laws
  and their effect.  You may wish to consult your own tax adviser.

                            MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

       The board of trustees of the Trust has overall responsibility for the
  conduct of the affairs of the Funds and the Trust.  The trustees serve
  indefinite terms of unlimited duration.  The trustees appoint their own
  successors, provided that at least two-thirds of the trustees, after such
  appointment, have been elected by shareholders.  Shareholders may remove a
  trustee, with or without cause, upon the declaration in writing or vote of
  two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares.  A trustee may be removed with
  or without cause upon the written declaration of a majority of the trustees.

       The Funds' investments and business affairs are managed by the Adviser,
  Harris Associates L.P.  The Adviser also serves as investment adviser to
  individuals, trusts, retirement plans, endowments and foundations, and manages
  numerous private partnerships.

       The Adviser was organized in 1995 to succeed to the business of a
  previous limited partnership, also named Harris Associates L.P. (the "Former
  Adviser"), that, together with its predecessor, had advised and managed mutual
  funds since 1970.  The Adviser, a limited partnership, is managed by its
  general partner, Harris Associates, Inc. ("HAI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
  New England Investment Companies, L.P. ("NEIC").  NEIC owns all of the limited
  partnership interests in the Adviser.  NEIC is a publicly traded limited
  partnership that owns investment management firms and that is a subsidiary of
  New England Mutual Life Insurance Company ("NEML").  NEML has agreed to merge
  into Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ("MLI") in a transaction that is   
  expected to be completed in the summer of 1996 but that    

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
  is subject to various regulatory approvals and approval by policyholders of
  the respective companies. Upon completion of the merger NEIC will become a
  subsidiary of MLI.

       Subject to the overall authority of the board of trustees, the Adviser
  furnishes continuous investment supervision and management to the Funds and
  also furnishes office space, equipment and management personnel.

       For its services as investment adviser the Adviser receives from each
  Fund a monthly fee based on that Fund's net assets at the end of the preceding
  month.  The annual rates of fees as a percentage of each Fund's net assets are
  as follows:

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
FUND                                                 FEE
- ---------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>
Balanced                     .75%

Oakmark                      1% up to $2.5 billion; .95% on the next $1.25
                             billion; .90% on the next $1.25 billion; and .85%
                             on net assets in excess of $5 billion

International                1% up to $2.5 billion; .95% on the next $2.5
                             billion; and .90% on net assets in excess of $5
                             billion


Select                       1.00%

Small Cap and                1.25%
International Emerging

</TABLE>     
    
       The advisory agreement for each Fund provides that the total annual
  expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, interest, extraordinary litigation
  expenses and brokers' commissions and other charges relating to the purchase
  or sale of securities but including fees paid to the Adviser, shall not exceed
  the limits, if any, prescribed by any state in which shares of that Fund are
  qualified for sale.  The Adviser has agreed to reimburse each Fund for any
  such expenses in excess of such limits by an offset to the monthly advisory
  fee.  The Trust believes that the most restrictive expense limitation of any
  state is 2.5% of the first $30 million of a Fund's average net assets, 2% of
  the next $70 million and 1.5% thereafter.  In addition, the Adviser has
  voluntarily agreed to reimburse each of Small Cap Fund, Balanced Fund and
  International Emerging Fund to the extent that the Fund's annual ordinary
  operating expenses exceed 2.5% of its average net assets through October 31,
  1997, subject to earlier termination by the Adviser on 30 days' notice to the
  Fund.       

       The Trust uses "Harris Associates" in its name and "Oakmark" in the names
  of the Funds by license from the Adviser and would be required to stop using
  those names if Harris Associates ceased to be the Adviser.  The Adviser has
  the right to use the names for another enterprise, including another
  investment company.

       The investment objective and policies of Oakmark Fund were developed by
  the Adviser and by Robert J. Sanborn, C.F.A., the Fund's portfolio manager.
  Mr. Sanborn joined the Adviser as a portfolio manager and analyst in 1988.
  Prior thereto, he had been a portfolio manager/analyst with The State Teachers
  Retirement System of Ohio.  Mr. Sanborn holds an M.B.A. in Finance from the
  University of Chicago (1983) and a B.A. in Economics from Dartmouth College
  (1980).

       The investment objective and policies of Small Cap Fund were developed by
  the Adviser and by Steven J. Reid, C.F.A., the Fund's portfolio manager.  Mr.
  Reid joined the Adviser as an accountant in 1980 and has been an investment
  analyst since 1985.  He holds a B.A. in Business from Roosevelt University
  (1979).

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
       The investment objective and policies of Balanced Fund were developed by
  the Adviser and by Clyde S. McGregor, C.F.A., the Fund's portfolio manager.
  Mr. McGregor joined the Adviser as an analyst in 1981 and began managing
  portfolios in 1986.  He holds an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of
  Wisconsin - Madison (1977) and a B.A. in Economics and Religion from Oberlin
  College (1974).

       The investment objective and policies of Select Fund were developed by
  the Adviser and by William C. Nygren, C.F.A., the Fund's portfolio manager.
  Mr. Nygren joined the Adviser as an analyst in 1983, and has been the
  Adviser's Director of Research since 1990.  Prior thereto, he had been an
  analyst with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.  Mr. Nygren holds an
  M.S. in Finance from the University of Wisconsin (1981) and a B.S. in
  Accounting from the University of Minnesota (1980)

       The investment objective and policies of International Fund were
  developed by the Adviser and by David G. Herro, C.F.A., the Fund's portfolio
  manager.  The Fund is co-managed by Michael J. Welsh, C.P.A.  Mr. Herro joined
  the Adviser in 1992 as a portfolio manager and analyst.  Previously, he had
  been an international portfolio manager for the State of Wisconsin Investment
  Board and The Principal Financial Group.  Mr. Herro holds an M.A. in Economics
  from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (1986) and a B.S. in Business and
  Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville (1985).  Mr. Welsh
  joined the adviser as an international analyst in 1992.  Previously he had
  been a senior associate, valuation services, with Coopers & Lybrand.  Mr.
  Welsh holds an M.M. in Finance from Northwestern University (1993) and a B.S.
  in Business and Accounting from the University of Kansas (1985).

       The investment objective and policies of International Emerging Fund were
  developed by the Adviser and by David G. Herro, the Fund's portfolio manager.
  The Fund is co-managed by Adam Schor, C.F.A.  Mr. Schor joined the Adviser as
  an international analyst in 1993.  Previously he had been an analyst with
  American Family Insurance Group and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.
  Mr. Schor holds an M.S. in Finance from the University of Wisconsin - Madison
  (1993) and a B.S. in Journalism and Economics from Northwestern University
  (1986).

       Brokerage transactions for the Funds may be executed through Harris
  Associates Securities L.P., a registered broker-dealer and an affiliate of the
  Adviser.

                             TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

       The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal business
  activities during the past five years are:


<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH TRUST 
AND AGE AT AUGUST 31, 1996   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS/#/  
- ---------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>
VICTOR A. MORGENSTERN        Chief executive officer (Chairman of the Board 
Trustee and President, 53    since 1996), HAI, since 1995, President, 1992-1996
                             and Vice President prior thereto

MICHAEL J. FRIDUSS           Principal, MJ Friduss & Associates
Trustee, 53                  (telecommunications consultants), since 1993; Vice
                             President--Customer Service and Information
                             Technology, Ameritech Corporation
                             (telecommunications), 1992-1993; Vice President--
                             Customer Sales and Service, Michigan Bell Telephone
                             Company, prior thereto

THOMAS H. HAYDEN             Executive Vice President and director, Bozell
Trustee, 45                  Worldwide, Inc. (advertising and public
                             relations), since 1992, and Senior Vice President,
                             prior thereto
</TABLE>      

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH TRUST 
AND AGE AT AUGUST 31,1996    PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS/#/  
- ---------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>


CHRISTINE M. MAKI            Vice President--Tax, Hyatt Corporation (hotel
Trustee, 35                  management) since 1995; Tax Manager, Coopers &
                             Lybrand (independent accountants), prior thereto
 
ALLAN J. REICH               Senior Partner and Chair of Corporate/Securities
Trustee, 48                  Practice Group, D'Ancona & Pflaum (attorneys),
                             since 1993; Senior Partner, McDermott, Will &
                             Emery (attorneys), prior thereto
 
MARV R. ROTTER               General Manager, Rotter & Associates (financial
Trustee, 50                  services)
 
BURTON W. RUDER              President, The Academy Group (investments and
Trustee, 52                  consulting)
 
PETER S. VOSS*               Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, New England
Trustee, 49                  Investment Companies, Inc. and New England
                             Investment Companies, L.P., since 1992; Group
                             Executive Vice President, Bank of America, N.A.,
                             1992; Executive Vice President, Security Pacific
                             Bank, prior thereto
 
GARY N. WILNER, M.D.         Senior Attending Physician, Evanston Hospital, and
Trustee, 56                  Medical Director - CardioPulmonary Wellness
                             Program, Evanston Hospital Corporation
 
ROBERT J. SANBORN            Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP
Executive Vice President
and Portfolio Manager
 (Oakmark Fund), 38

DAVID G. HERRO               Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP, since 1992;
Vice President and           Portfolio Manager - International Equities, State
 Portfolio Manager           of Wisconsin Investment Board, prior thereto
 (International Fund and
 International Emerging
 Fund), 35

CLYDE S. MCGREGOR            Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP
Vice President and
 Portfolio Manager
 (Balanced Fund), 43

WILLIAM C. NYGREN            Portfolio Manager and Director of Research, HALP
Vice president and
 Portfolio
Manager (Select Fund), 38

STEVEN J. REID               Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP
Vice President and
 Portfolio Manager (Small
 Cap Fund), 39

ADAM SCHOR                   Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP, since 1993;
Assistant Vice President     Analyst, American Family Insurance Group,
 and Co-portfolio Manager    1992-1993; Analyst, State of Wisconsin Investment
 (International Emerging     Board, prior thereto
 Fund), 32

</TABLE>      

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH TRUST 
AND AGE AT AUGUST 31,1996    PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS/#/  
- ---------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>

MICHAEL J. WELSH             Portfolio Manager and Analyst, HALP, since 1992;
Assistant Vice President     Senior Associate, Valuation Services, Coopers &
and Co-portfolio Manager     Lybrand, prior thereto
 (International Fund), 33
 
ANN W. REGAN                 Director of Mutual Fund Operations, HALP, since
Vice President-Shareholder   1996; Special Projects Assistant to the General
 Operations and Assistant    Counsel, HALP, 1995-1996; Deputy Corporation
 Secretary, 48               Counsel, City of Chicago, 1993-1994; Partner,
                             Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon (attorneys), prior
                             thereto
 
ANITA M. NAGLER              Vice President, HAI, since 1994; General Counsel,
Secretary, 39                HALP,
                             since 1993; Associate Regional Administrator -
                             Enforcement, Securities and Exchange Commission,
                             prior thereto
DONALD TERAO                 Secretary and Treasurer, HAI, since 1995;
Treasurer, 46                Controller, HALP, prior thereto
 
KRISTI L. ROWSELL            Tax and Accounting Manager, HALP, since 1995; Vice
Assistant Treasurer, 29      President and Treasurer, Calamos Asset Management,
                             Inc., 1992-1995; Senior Tax Specialist, KPMG Peat
                             Marwick, prior thereto
 
</TABLE>     

- ------------------------
  /#/  As used in this table, from and after September 29, 1995 "HALP" and "HAI"
       refer to the Adviser and the general partner of the Adviser,
       respectively, and prior to that date those terms refer to the Former
       Adviser and the general partner of the Former Adviser, respectively.

  /*/  Messrs. Morgenstern and Voss are trustees who are "interested persons"
       (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trust by virtue of
       their relationships with HALP.


                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

       From time to time the Funds may quote total return figures in sales
  material.  "Total Return" for a period is the percentage change in value
  during the period of an investment in Fund shares, including the value of
  shares acquired through reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains
  distributions.  "Average Annual Total Return" is the average annual compound
  rate of change in value represented by the Total Return for the period.  All
  of these calculations assume the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
  in additional shares of the Fund.  Income taxes are not taken into account.

       In advertising and sales literature, a Fund's performance may be compared
  to market indexes and to the performance of other mutual funds.  A Fund may
  also publicize its comparative performance as computed in rankings or ratings
  determined by independent services or publications including Lipper Analytical
  Services, Inc., Morningstar, Inc. and others.

       The performance of a Fund is a function of conditions in the securities
  markets, portfolio management and operating expenses, and past results are not
  necessarily indicative of future results.  See "Investment Objectives" and
  "Investment Restrictions."  Performance information supplied by a Fund may not
  provide a basis for comparison with other investments using different
  reinvestment assumptions or time periods.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION

       The Funds are series of Harris Associates Investment Trust (the "Trust"),
  an open-end, diversified management investment company.  The Trust is a
  Massachusetts business trust organized under an Agreement and Declaration of
  Trust ("Declaration of Trust") dated February 1, 1991, which provides that
  each shareholder shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the terms
  thereof.  The Declaration of Trust may be amended by a vote of either the
  Trust's shareholders or its trustees.  The Trust may issue an unlimited number
  of shares, in one or more series, each with its own investment objective,
  policies and restrictions, as the board of trustees may authorize.  Any such
  series of shares may be further divided, without shareholder approval, into
  two or more classes of shares having such preferences or special or relative
  rights or privileges as the trustees may determine.  The Funds' shares are not
  currently divided into classes.  The Funds are the only series of the Trust
  currently being offered.  All shares issued will be fully paid and non-
  assessable and will have no preemptive or conversion rights.

       Each share of a series is entitled to participate pro rata in any
  dividends and other distributions declared by the board of trustees with
  respect to that series, and all shares of a series have equal rights in the
  event of liquidation of that series.

       Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter presented to
  shareholders.  As a business trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual
  shareholder meetings.  However, special meetings may be called for purposes
  such as electing or removing trustees, changing fundamental policies, or
  approving an investment advisory contract.  On any matter submitted to a vote
  of shareholders, shares are voted in the aggregate and not by individual
  series except when required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 or other
  applicable law, or when the board of trustees determines that the matter
  affects only the interests of one or more series, in which case shareholders
  of the unaffected series are not entitled to vote on such matters.  All shares
  of the Trust are voted together in the election of trustees.

       Inquiries regarding the Funds should be directed to the Trust at its
  address or telephone number shown on the inside back cover.

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Harris Associates L.P.

ADDRESS OF TRUST AND ADVISER
Two North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602-3790
         

         

TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT & CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Attention:  Oakmark Funds
P.O. Box 8510
Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8510
         
AUDITORS
Arthur Andersen LLP
Chicago, Illinois

LEGAL COUNSEL
Bell, Boyd & Lloyd
Chicago, Illinois

    
FOR MORE INFORMATION
1-800-OAKMARK
(1-800-625-6275)     

    
24-HOUR NAV HOTLINE
1-800-GROWOAK
(1-800-476-9625)     

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
                                                               STATEMENT OF
                                                          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                          ----------------------


                                                             
                                                         NOVEMBER 1, 1996      



                          THE OAKMARK FAMILY OF FUNDS

                                 No-Load Funds


                                                       Two North La Salle Street
                                                    Chicago, Illinois 60602-3790
                                                         Telephone 1-800-OAKMARK
                                                                (1-800-625-6275)


This Statement of Additional Information relates to The Oakmark Fund ("Oakmark
Fund"), The Oakmark Small Cap Fund ("Small Cap Fund"), The Oakmark Balanced
Fund ("Balanced Fund"), The Oakmark Select Fund ("Select Fund"), The Oakmark
International Fund ("International Fund") and The Oakmark International Emerging
Value Fund ("International Emerging Fund"), each a series of Harris Associates
Investment Trust (the "Trust").  It is not a prospectus but provides information
that should be read in conjunction with the Funds' prospectus dated the same
date as this Statement of Additional Information and any supplement thereto.
The prospectus may be obtained from the Funds at no charge by writing or
telephoning the Funds at their address or telephone number shown above.



                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

               THE FUNDS..................................   2
               INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS....................   2
               HOW THE FUNDS INVEST.......................   5
               PERFORMANCE INFORMATION....................  10
               INVESTMENT ADVISER.........................  13
               TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS......................  14
               PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS.....................  16
               PURCHASING AND REDEEMING SHARES............  16
               ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION.................  18
               TAXATION OF FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS...........  19
               PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS.....................  19
               DECLARATION OF TRUST.......................  21
               CUSTODIAN..................................  21
               INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.............  22
               FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................  22
               APPENDIX -- BOND RATINGS...................  22
<PAGE>
 
                                   THE FUNDS

     OAKMARK FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in
equity securities.

     SMALL CAP FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies with small market capitalizations.

     BALANCED FUND seeks high current income with regard for both preservation
and growth of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and
fixed-income securities.

     SELECT FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in
a non-diversified portfolio of equity securities.

     INTERNATIONAL FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers.

     INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers that have small
market capitalizations or that are located in emerging markets.

                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     In pursuing their respective investment objectives no Fund will:
    
     1.  [Funds other than Select Fund] In regard to 75% of its assets, invest
more than 5% of its assets (valued at the time of investment) in securities of
any one issuer, except in U.S. government obligations; [Select Fund] invest more
than 25% of its assets (valued at the time of investment) in securities of any
one issuer, except in U.S. government obligations, nor in respect of 50% of its
assets, invest more than 5% of its assets (valued at the time of investment) in
securities of any one issuer, except in U.S. government obligations;      

     2.  Acquire securities of any one issuer which at the time of investment
(a) represent more than 10% of the voting securities of the issuer or (b) have a
value greater than 10% of the value of the outstanding securities of the issuer;

     3.  Invest more than 25% of its assets (valued at the time of investment)
in securities of companies in any one industry, except that this restriction
does not apply to investments in U.S. government obligations;

     4.  Borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes in
amounts not exceeding 10% of the value of the Fund's assets at the time of
borrowing [the Fund will not purchase additional securities when its borrowings,
less receivables from portfolio securities sold, exceed 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets];

     5.  Issue any senior security except in connection with permitted
borrowings;

     6.  Underwrite the distribution of securities of other issuers; however the
Fund may acquire "restricted" securities which, in the event of a resale, might
be required to be registered 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
under the Securities Act of 1933 on the ground that the Fund could be regarded
as an underwriter as defined by that act with respect to such resale;/1/

     7.  Make loans, but this restriction shall not prevent the Fund from (a)
investing in debt obligations, (b) investing in repurchase agreements,/2/ or
(c) [Funds other than Oakmark Fund] lending its portfolio securities [the Fund
will not lend securities having a value in excess of 33-1/3% of its assets
(valued at the time of any loan)];

     8.  Purchase and sell real estate or interests in real estate, although it
may invest in marketable securities of enterprises which invest in real estate
or interests in real estate;/3/

     9.  Purchase and sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that it
may enter into forward foreign currency contracts;

     10.  Acquire securities of other investment companies except (a) by
purchase in the open market, where no commission or profit to a sponsor or
dealer results from such purchase other than the customary broker's commission
or (b) where the acquisition results from a dividend or a merger, consolidation
or other reorganization;/4/

     11.  Invest more than (a) 5% of its total assets (valued at the time of
investment) in securities of issuers (other than issuers of federal agency
obligations or securities issued or guaranteed by any foreign country or asset-
backed securities) that, together with any predecessors or unconditional
guarantors, have been in continuous operation for less than three 

- ---------------
/1/  In addition, each Fund must comply with certain state regulations that may
impose additional restrictions.  Arkansas and Ohio regulations currently
prohibit investment of more than 10% of the Fund's assets in restricted
securities.  See restriction 11.

/2/  A repurchase agreement involves a sale of securities to a Fund with the
concurrent agreement of the seller (bank or securities dealer) to repurchase the
securities at the same price plus an amount equal to an agreed-upon interest
rate within a specified time.  In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of
a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in
liquidating the underlying securities and losses.  No Fund may invest more than
15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days
and other illiquid securities.

/3/  As long as shares of the Fund are qualified for sale in Texas, the Trust
will interpret "real estate" as including limited partnership interests, but
excluding readily marketable securities, including publicly traded partnerships,
of companies that invest in real estate.

/4/  In addition to this investment restriction, the Investment Company Act of
1940 provides that a Fund may neither purchase more than 3% of the voting
securities of any one investment company nor invest more than 10% of the Fund's
assets (valued at the time of investment) in all investment company securities
purchased by the Fund.  In order to comply with California law, each Fund has
undertaken that it will not acquire or retain securities of any open-end
investment company.  Investment in the shares of another investment company
would require the Fund to bear a portion of the management and advisory fees
paid by that investment company, which might duplicate the fees paid by the
Fund.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
years ("unseasoned issuers") or (b) more than 15% of its total assets (valued at
time of investment) in restricted securities and securities of unseasoned
issuers;/5/

     12.  Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except for temporary or
emergency purposes and then to an extent not greater than 15% of its assets at
cost;

     13.  Make margin purchases or participate in a joint or on a joint or
several basis in any trading account in securities;

     14.  Invest in companies for the purpose of management or the exercise of
control;

     15.  Purchase or retain securities of a company if all of the directors and
officers of the Fund and of its investment adviser who individually own
beneficially more than 1/2% of the securities of the company collectively own
beneficially more than 5% of such securities;

     16.  Invest more than 15% of its net assets (valued at the time of
investment) in illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements maturing in
more than seven days;

     17.  Invest in oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or
development programs, although it may invest in marketable securities of
enterprises engaged in oil, gas or mineral exploration;

     18.  [Oakmark Fund, Small Cap Fund, Balanced Fund and Select Fund only]
Invest more than 2% of its net assets (valued at the time of investment) in
warrants not listed on the New York or American stock exchanges, valued at cost,
nor more than 5% of its net assets in all warrants, provided that warrants
acquired in units or attached to other securities shall be deemed to be without
value for purposes of this restriction; [International Fund and International
Emerging Fund only]  Invest more than 10% of its net assets (valued at the time
of investment) in warrants valued at the lower of cost or market, provided that
warrants acquired in units or attached to securities shall be deemed to be
without value for purposes of this restriction;

    
     19.  [Oakmark Fund, Small Cap Fund and Select Fund only]  Invest more than
25% of its total assets (valued at the time of investment) in securities of non-
U.S. issuers (other than securities represented by American Depositary Receipts)
[Balanced  Fund only]  Invest more than 10% of its total assets (valued at the
time of investment) in securities of non-U.S. issuers (other than securities
represented by American Depositary Receipts);/6/      

     20.  Make short sales of securities unless the Fund owns at least an equal
amount of such securities, or owns securities that are convertible or
exchangeable, without payment of further consideration, into at least an equal
amount of such securities;
         
     21.  Purchase a call option or a put option if the aggregate premium paid 
for all call and put options then held exceed 20% of its net assets (less the 
amount by which any such positions are in-the-money).     
    
     22.  Invest in futures or options on futures, except that it may invest in
forward foreign currency contracts.    

- --------------
/5/   As long as it is required to do so by the Ohio Division of Securities,
the Trust will consider a security eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933 to be a restricted security.

/6/   Although securities represented by American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") are not subject to restriction 19, none of these Funds has any present
intention to invest more than the indicated percentage of its total assets  in
ADRs and securities of foreign issuers.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     The first 10 restrictions listed above, except the bracketed portions, are
fundamental policies and may be changed only with the approval of the holders of
a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the respective Fund, which
is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") as the lesser
of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting if more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or represented by proxy
or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.  Those restrictions
not designated as "fundamental," and a Fund's investment objective, may be
changed by the board of trustees without shareholder approval.  A Fund's
investment objective will not be changed without at least 30 days' notice to
shareholders.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing investment restrictions, a Fund may purchase
securities pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights, provided that such
purchase will not result in the Fund's ceasing to be a diversified investment
company.  Japanese and European corporations frequently issue additional capital
stock by means of subscription rights offerings to existing shareholders at a
price substantially below the market price of the shares.  The failure to
exercise such rights would result in a Fund's interest in the issuing company
being diluted.  The market for such rights is not well developed in all cases
and, accordingly, a Fund may not always realize full value on the sale of
rights.  The exception applies in cases where the limits set forth in the
investment restrictions would otherwise be exceeded by exercising rights or
would have already been exceeded as a result of fluctuations in the market value
of a Fund's portfolio securities with the result that the Fund would be forced
either to sell securities at a time when it might not otherwise have done so, or
to forego exercising the rights.

                             HOW THE FUNDS INVEST

SECURITIES OF NON-U.S. ISSUERS

     International Fund and International Emerging Fund invest primarily in
securities of non-U.S. issuers, and the other Funds each may invest a minor
portion of their assets (up to 25% for Oakmark Fund and Small Cap Fund and up to
10% for Balanced  Fund) in securities of non-U.S. issuers.  International
investing permits an investor to take advantage of the growth in markets outside
the United States. Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers may entail a
greater degree of risk (including risks relating to exchange rate fluctuations,
tax provisions, or expropriation of assets) than does investment in securities
of domestic issuers.  The Funds may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers
directly or in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European
Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), or other
securities representing underlying shares of foreign issuers.  Positions in
these securities are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the
common stocks into which they may be converted.  ADRs are receipts typically
issued by an American bank or trust company and trading in U.S. markets
evidencing ownership of the underlying securities.  EDRs are European receipts
evidencing a similar arrangement.  Generally ADRs, in registered form, are
designed for use in the U.S. securities markets and EDRs, in bearer form, are
designed for use in European securities markets.  GDRs are receipts that may
trade in U.S. or non-U.S. markets.  The Funds may invest in both "sponsored" and
"unsponsored" ADRs, EDRs or GDRs.  In a sponsored depositary receipt, the issuer
typically pays some or all of the expenses of the depository and agrees to
provide its regular shareholder communications to depositary receipt holders.
An unsponsored depositary receipt is created independently of the issuer of the
underlying security.  The depositary receipt holders generally pay the expenses
of the depository and do not have an undertaking from the issuer of the
underlying security to furnish shareholder communications.

     With respect to portfolio securities of non-U.S. issuers or denominated in
foreign currencies, a Fund's investment performance is affected by the strength
or weakness of the U.S. dollar against these currencies.  For example, if the
dollar falls in value relative to the Japanese 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
yen, the dollar value of a yen-denominated stock held in the portfolio will rise
even though the price of the stock remains unchanged. Conversely, if the dollar
rises in value relative to the yen, the dollar value of the yen-denominated
stock will fall. See discussion of transaction hedging and portfolio hedging
under "Currency Exchange Transactions."

     You should understand and consider carefully the risks involved in
international investing.  Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers, positions
in which are generally denominated in foreign currencies, and utilization of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain considerations
comprising both risks and opportunities not typically associated with investing
in U.S. securities.  These considerations include: fluctuations in exchange
rates of foreign currencies; possible imposition of exchange control regulation
or currency restrictions that would prevent cash from being brought back to the
United States; less public information with respect to issuers of securities;
less governmental supervision of stock exchanges, securities brokers, and
issuers of securities; different accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards; different settlement periods and trading practices; less liquidity
and frequently greater price volatility in foreign markets than in the United
States; imposition of foreign taxes; and sometimes less advantageous legal,
operational and financial protections applicable to foreign subcustodial
arrangements.

     Although the Funds try to invest in companies and governments of countries
having stable political environments, there is the possibility of expropriation
of assets, confiscatory taxation, seizure or nationalization of foreign bank
deposits or other assets, establishment of exchange controls, the adoption of
foreign government restrictions, or other adverse, political, social or
diplomatic developments that could affect investment in these nations.

     PRIVATIZATIONS.  Some governments have been engaged in programs of selling
part or all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises
("privatizations").  The adviser believes that privatizations may offer
opportunities for significant capital appreciation, and intends to invest assets
of International Fund and International Emerging Fund in privatizations in
appropriate circumstances.  In certain of those markets, the ability of foreign
entities such as International Fund and International Emerging Fund to
participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, and/or the terms on
which such Funds may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than
those afforded local investors.  There can be no assurance that governments will
continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that
privatization programs will be successful.

     CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.  Each Fund may enter into currency exchange
transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate for purchasing
or selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange market or through a
forward currency exchange contract ("forward contract").  A forward contract is
an agreement to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date
(or within a specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract.
Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks and broker-dealers, are
not exchange-traded and are usually for less than one year, but may be renewed.

     Forward currency transactions may involve currencies of the different
countries in which a Fund may invest, and serve as hedges against possible
variations in the exchange rate between these currencies.  A Fund's currency
transactions are limited to transaction hedging and portfolio hedging involving
either specific transactions or actual or anticipated portfolio positions.
Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of a forward contract with respect
to specific receivables or payables of a Fund accruing in connection with the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities.  Portfolio hedging is the use of a
forward contract with respect to an actual or anticipated portfolio security
position denominated or quoted in a particular currency.  When the Fund owns or
anticipates owning securities in countries whose currencies are linked, the
Adviser may aggregate such positions as to the currency hedged.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
    
     If a Fund enters into a forward contract hedging an anticipated purchase of
portfolio securities, liquid assets of the Fund, which may include equities,
debt obligations, U.S. government securities or cash, having a value at least as
great as the commitment under the forward contract will be segregated on the
books of the Fund, marked to market daily, and held by the Fund's custodian
while the contract is outstanding.      

     At the maturity of a forward contract to deliver a particular currency, a
Fund may either sell the portfolio security related to such contract and make
delivery of the currency, or it may retain the security and either acquire the
currency on the spot market or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver
the 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
currency.

     It is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of
portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward contract.  Accordingly, it
may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional currency on the spot market
(and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is
less than the amount of currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a
decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the currency.
Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the currency
received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the
amount of currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

     If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has
been movement in forward contract prices.  If the Fund engages in an offsetting
transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the
currency.  Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund's
entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it
enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund
will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to
sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase.  Should
forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of
the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has
agreed to sell.  A default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized
profits or force the Fund to cover its commitments for purchase or sale of
currency, if any, at the current market price.

     Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline.  Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise.  Moreover,
it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency
at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.  The cost to the Fund of
engaging in currency exchange transactions varies with such factors as the
currency involved, the length of the contract period, and prevailing market
conditions.  Since currency exchange transactions are usually conducted on a
principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.

DEBT SECURITIES

     Each Fund may invest in debt securities, including lower-rated securities
(i.e., securities rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or
Ba or lower by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. ("Moody's"), commonly called
"junk bonds") and securities that are not rated.  There are no restrictions as
to the ratings of debt securities acquired by a Fund or the portion of a Fund's
assets that may be invested in debt securities in a particular ratings category,
except that International Fund and International Emerging Fund will not invest
more than 10% of their respective total assets in securities rated below
investment grade, Balanced  Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total
assets in such securities, and each of the other Funds will not invest more than
25% of its total assets in such securities.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered to be medium grade and to have
speculative characteristics.  Lower-rated debt securities are predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal.  Investment in medium- or lower-quality debt securities involves
greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default or
bankruptcy.  An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for such
securities and adversely affect the value of such securities.  In addition,
lower-quality bonds are less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-
quality instruments and generally are more sensitive to adverse economic changes
or individual corporate developments.  During a period of adverse economic
changes, including a period of rising interest rates, issuers of such bonds may
experience difficulty in servicing their principal and interest payment
obligations.

     Medium- and lower-quality debt securities may be less marketable than
higher-quality debt securities because the market for them is less broad.  The
market for unrated debt securities is even narrower.  During periods of thin
trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to
increase significantly, and a Fund may have greater difficulty selling its
portfolio securities.  See "Net Asset Value."  The market value of these
securities and their liquidity may be affected by adverse publicity and investor
perceptions.

     A description of the characteristics of bonds in each ratings category is
included in the appendix to this statement of additional information.

WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES

     Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery
basis.  Although the payment and interest terms of these securities are
established at the time a Fund enters into the commitment, the securities may be
delivered and paid for a month or more after the date of purchase, when their
value may have changed.  A Fund makes such commitments only with the intention
of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell the securities before
settlement date if the adviser deems it advisable for investment reasons.  A
Fund may utilize spot and forward foreign currency exchange transactions to
reduce the risk inherent in fluctuations in the exchange rate between one
currency and another when securities are purchased or sold on a when-issued or
delayed-delivered basis.

     At the time a Fund enters into a binding obligation to purchase securities
on a when-issued basis, liquid assets of the Fund having a value at least as
great as the purchase price of the securities to be purchased will be segregated
on the books of the Fund and held by the custodian throughout the period of the
obligation.  The use of these investment strategies, as well as any borrowing by
a Fund, may increase net asset value fluctuation.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

     No Fund may invest in illiquid securities, if as a result such securities
would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's assets.  In addition the
Funds must comply with certain state regulations that may impose more
restrictive limitations.

     If through the appreciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of
liquid securities, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the
value of its net assets are invested in illiquid assets, including restricted
securities, the Fund will take appropriate steps to protect liquidity.

     Illiquid securities may include restricted securities, which may be sold
only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect
to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "1933 Act").  Where a Fund holds restricted securities and registration is
required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision
to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an
effective registration statement.  If, during such a period, adverse market
conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than
prevailed when it decided to sell.  Restricted securities will be priced at fair
value as determined in good faith by the board of trustees.

     Notwithstanding the above, each Fund may purchase securities that, although
privately placed, are eligible for purchase and sale under Rule 144A under the
1933 Act.  This rule permits certain qualified institutional buyers, such as the
Funds, to trade in privately placed securities even though such securities are
not registered under the 1933 Act.  The adviser, under the supervision of the
board of trustees, may consider whether securities purchased under Rule 144A are
liquid and thus not subject to the Fund's restriction of investing no more than
15% of its assets in illiquid securities, although the Ohio Division of
Securities currently requires each Fund to limit its investment in Rule 144A
securities and securities of "unseasoned issuers" to 15% of total assets.  (See
restriction 11 under "Investment Restrictions.")  A determination of whether a
Rule 144A security is liquid or not is a question of fact.  In making this
determination the adviser will consider the trading markets for the specific
security taking into account the unregistered nature of a Rule 144A security.
In addition, the adviser could consider the (1) frequency of trades and quotes,
(2) number of dealers and potential purchasers, (3) dealer undertakings to make
a market, (4) and the nature of the security and of market place trades (e.g.,
the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and
the mechanics of transfer).  The liquidity of Rule 144A securities would be
monitored and, if as a result of changed conditions, it is determined that a
Rule 144A security is no longer liquid, the Fund's holdings of illiquid
securities would be reviewed to determine what, if any, steps are required to
assure that the Fund does not invest more than 15% of its assets in illiquid
securities.  Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of
increasing the amount of a Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities if
qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

SHORT SALES

     Each Fund may sell securities short against the box, that is: (1) enter
into short sales of securities that it currently owns or has the right to
acquire through the conversion or exchange of other securities that it owns
without additional consideration; and (2) enter into arrangements with the
broker-dealers through which such securities are sold short to receive income
with respect to the proceeds of short sales during the period the Fund's short
positions remain open.  A Fund may make short sales of securities only if at all
times when a short position is open the Fund owns at least an equal amount of
such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without
payment of any further consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal
in amount to, the securities sold short.

     In a short sale against the box, a Fund does not deliver from its portfolio
the securities sold and does not receive immediately the proceeds from the short
sale.  Instead, the Fund borrows the securities sold short from a broker-dealer
through which the short sale is executed, and the broker-dealer delivers such
securities, on behalf of the Fund, to the purchaser of such securities.  Such
broker-dealer is entitled to retain the proceeds from the short sale until the
Fund delivers to such broker-dealer the securities sold short.  In addition, the
Fund is required to pay to the broker-dealer the amount of any dividends paid on
shares sold short.  Finally, to secure its obligation to deliver to such broker-
dealer the securities sold short, the Fund must deposit and continuously
maintain in a separate account with the Fund's custodian an equivalent amount of
the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for
such securities without the payment of additional consideration.  A Fund is said
to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers to the broker-
dealer the securities sold, at which time the Fund receives the proceeds of the
sale.  A Fund may close out a short position by purchasing on the open market

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
and delivering to the broker-dealer an equal amount of the securities sold
short, rather than by delivering portfolio securities.

     Short sales may protect a Fund against the risk of losses in the value of
its portfolio securities because any unrealized losses with respect to such
portfolio securities should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding
gain in the short position.  However, any potential gains in such portfolio
securities should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the
short position.  The extent to which such gains or losses are offset will depend
upon the amount of securities sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns,
either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where the Fund owns convertible
securities, changes in the conversion premium.

     Short sale transactions involve certain risks.  If the price of the
security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a
Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss and if the price
declines during this period, the Fund will realize a short-term capital gain.
Any realized short-term capital gain will be decreased, and any incurred loss
increased, by the amount of transaction costs and any premium, dividend or
interest which the Fund may have to pay in connection with such short sale.
Certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit the degree to which a
Fund is able to enter into short sales.  There is no limitation on the amount of
each Fund's assets that, in the aggregate, may be deposited as collateral for
the obligation to replace securities borrowed to effect short sales and
allocated to segregated accounts in connection with short sales.  No Fund
currently expects that more than 20% of its total assets would be involved in
short sales against the box.

    
OPTIONS

     Each Fund may purchase both call options and put options on securities. A
call or put option is a contract that gives the Fund, in return for a premium
paid upon purchase of the option, the right during the term of the option to buy
from, or to sell to, the seller of the option the security underlying the option
at a specified exercise price. The option is valued initially at the premium
paid for the option. Thereafter, the value of the option is marked-to-market
daily. It is expected that a Fund will not purchase a call option or a put
option if the aggregate value of all call and put options held by the Fund would
exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets.    

TEMPORARY STRATEGIES

     Each Fund has the flexibility to respond promptly to changes in market and
economic conditions.  In the interest of preserving shareholders' capital, the
adviser may employ a temporary defensive investment strategy if it determines
such a strategy to be warranted.  Pursuant to such a defensive strategy, a Fund
temporarily may hold cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or multinational
currency units) and/or invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality debt
securities or money market instruments of U.S. or foreign issuers, and most or
all of International Fund's investments and International Emerging Fund's
investments may be made in the United States and denominated in U.S. dollars.
It is impossible to predict whether, when or for how long a Fund will employ
defensive strategies.

     In addition, pending investment of proceeds from new sales of Fund shares
or to meet ordinary daily cash needs, each Fund temporarily may hold cash (U.S.
dollars, foreign currencies or multinational currency units) and may invest any
portion of its assets in money market instruments.

                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

     From time to time the Funds may quote total return figures in sales
material.  "Total Return" for a period is the percentage change in value during
the period of an investment in Fund shares, including the value of shares
acquired through reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions.
"Average Annual Total Return" is the average annual compounded rate of change in
value represented by the Total Return for the period.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     Average Annual Total Return will be computed as follows:

          ERV = P(1+T)to the nth power

     Where:      P = the amount of an assumed initial investment in Fund shares
                 T = average annual total return
                 n = number of years from initial investment to the end of the
                     period
               ERV = ending redeemable value of shares held at the end of the
                     period

     For example, Total Return and Average Annual Total Return on a $1,000
investment in each of Oakmark Fund and International Fund for the following
periods ended October 31, 1995 were:

                                             Total   Average Annual
                                            Return    Total Return
                                            -------  ---------------
Oakmark Fund
 One year.................................   21.55%      21.55%    
  Life of Fund (from August 5, 1991)......  223.97       32.00    
                                                                  
 International Fund                                               
  One year................................   (3.06)      (3.06)    
  Life of Fund (from September 30, 1992)..   46.59       13.20     
 

Because they are newly organized, similar information does not exist for Small
Cap Fund, Balanced Fund, Select Fund or International Emerging Fund.

     Performance figures quoted by the Funds will assume reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions, but will not take into account income taxes payable
by shareholders.  The Funds impose no sales charge and pay no distribution
("12b-1") expenses.  Each Fund's performance is a function of conditions in the
securities markets, portfolio management, and operating expenses.  Although
information such as yield and total return is useful in reviewing a Fund's
performance and in providing some basis for comparison with other investment
alternatives, it should not be used for comparison with other investments using
different reinvestment assumptions or time periods.

     In advertising and sales literature, the performance of a Fund may be
compared with that of other mutual funds, indexes or averages of other mutual
funds, indexes of related financial assets or data, and other competing
investment and deposit products available from or through other financial
institutions.  The composition of these indexes or averages differs from that of
the Funds.  Comparison of a Fund to an alternative investment should consider
differences in features and expected performance.

     All of the indexes and averages noted below will be obtained from the
indicated sources or reporting services, which the Funds generally believe to be
accurate.  The Funds may also refer to publicity (including performance
rankings) in newspapers, magazines, or other media from time to time.  However,
the Funds assume no responsibility for the accuracy of such data.  Newspapers
and magazines that might mention the Funds include, but are not limited to, the
following:

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
         
    
  Barron's
  Business Week
  Changing Times
  Chicago Tribune
  Chicago Sun-Times
  Crain's Chicago Business
  Consumer Reports
  Consumer Digest
  Financial World
  Forbes
  Fortune
  Global Finance
  Investor's Daily
  Kiplinger's Personal Finance
  Los Angeles Times
  Money
  Mutual Fund Letter
  Mutual Funds Magazine
  Morningstar
  Newsweek
  The New York Times
  Pensions and Investments
  Personal Investor
  Smart Money
  Stanger Reports
  Time
  USA Today
  U.S. News and World Report
  The Wall Street Journal
  Worth      

    
     A Fund may compare its performance to the Consumer Price Index (All Urban),
a widely recognized measure of inflation.  The performance of a Fund may also be
compared to the Morgan Stanley EAFE (Europe, Australia and Far East) Index, a
generally accepted benchmark for performance of major overseas markets, and to
the following indexes or averages:      

    
 Dow-Jones Industrial Average
 Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index
 Standard & Poor's 400 Industrials
 Standard & Poor's Small Cap 600
 Standard & Poor's Mid Cap 400
 Russell 2000
 Wilshire 5000
 New York Stock Exchange Composite Index
 American Stock Exchange Composite Index
 NASDAQ Composite
 NASDAQ Industrials
     

    
     In addition, each of Oakmark Fund, Small Cap Fund, Balanced Fund and Select
Fund, may compare its performance to the following indexes and averages:  Value
Line Index; Lipper Capital Appreciation Fund Average; Lipper Growth Funds
Average; Lipper Small Company Growth Funds Average; Lipper General Equity Funds
Average; Lipper Equity Funds Average; Lipper Small Company Growth Fund Index;
and Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index.  Each of International Fund
and International Emerging Fund may compare its performance to the following
indexes and averages: Lipper International & Global Funds Average; Lipper
International Fund Index; Lipper International Equity Funds Average; Morgan
Stanley Capital International World ex the U.S. Index; Morningstar International
Stock Average.      

     Lipper Indexes and Averages are calculated and published by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), an independent service that monitors the
performance of more than 1,000 funds.  The Funds may also use comparative
performance as computed in a ranking by Lipper or category averages and rankings
provided by another independent service.  Should Lipper or another service
reclassify a Fund to a different category or develop (and place a Fund into) a
new category, that Fund may compare its performance or ranking against other
funds in the newly assigned category, as published by the service.  Each Fund
may also compare its performance or 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
ranking against all funds tracked by Lipper or another independent service,
including Morningstar, Inc.

     The Funds may cite their ratings, recognition, or other mention by
Morningstar or any other entity.  Morningstar's rating system is based on risk-
adjusted total return performance and is expressed in a star-rating format.  The
risk-adjusted number is computed by subtracting a fund's risk score (which is a
function of the fund's monthly returns less the 3-month T-bill return) from the
fund's load-adjusted total return score.  This numerical score is then
translated into rating categories, with the top 10% labeled five star, the next
22.5% labeled four star, the next 35% labeled three star, the next 22.5% labeled
two star, and the bottom 10% one star.  A high rating reflects either above-
average returns or below-average risk or both.

     To illustrate the historical returns on various types of financial assets,
the Funds may use historical data provided by Ibbotson Associates, Inc.
("Ibbotson"), a Chicago-based investment firm.  Ibbotson constructs (or obtains)
very long-term (since 1926) total return data (including, for example, total
return indexes, total return percentages, average annual total returns and
standard deviations of such returns) for the following asset types: common
stocks; small company stocks; long-term corporate bonds; long-term government
bonds; intermediate-term government bonds; U.S. Treasury bills; and Consumer
Price Index.

                              INVESTMENT ADVISER
    
     The Funds' investment adviser, Harris Associates L.P. (the "Adviser"),
furnishes continuing investment supervision to the Funds and is responsible for
overall management of the Funds' business affairs pursuant to investment
advisory agreements relating to the respective Funds dated September 30, 1996
(the "Agreements").  The Adviser furnishes office space, equipment and personnel
to the Funds, and assumes the expenses of printing and distributing the Funds'
prospectus and reports to prospective investors.     

     Each Fund pays the cost of its custodial, stock transfer, dividend
disbursing, bookkeeping, audit and legal services.  Each Fund also pays other
expenses such as the cost of proxy solicitations, printing and distributing
notices and copies of the prospectus and shareholder reports furnished to
existing shareholders, taxes, insurance premiums, the expenses of maintaining
the registration of that Fund's shares under federal and state securities laws
and the fees of trustees not affiliated with the Adviser.
    
     The Agreements provide that the total annual expenses of each Fund,
exclusive of taxes, interest and extraordinary litigation expenses, but
including fees paid to the Adviser, shall not exceed the limits imposed by the
securities regulations of any state in which the Fund's shares are qualified for
sale, and the Adviser has agreed to reimburse each Fund for any such expenses in
excess of such limits.  The Advisor believes that currently the most restrictive
limits are 2.5% of the first $30 million of a Fund's average net assets, 2% of
the next $70 million, and 1.5% thereafter.  Brokers' commissions and other
charges relating to the purchase or sale of securities are not regarded as
expenses for this purpose.  Moreover, for purposes of calculating the expenses
subject to this limitation, the excess custodian costs attributable to
investments in foreign securities compared to the custodian costs which would
have been incurred had the investments been in domestic securities are excluded.
In addition, the Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reimburse each of Small Cap
Fund, Balanced Fund, International Emerging Fund and Select Fund to the extent
that the Fund's annual ordinary operating expenses exceed 2.5% of its average
net assets through October 31, 1997, subject to earlier termination by the
Adviser on 30 days' notice to the Fund. For the purpose of determining whether a
Fund is entitled to any reduction in advisory fee or expense reimbursement, that
Fund's expenses are calculated daily and any reduction in fee or reimbursement
is made monthly.     

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
     For its services as investment adviser, the Adviser receives from each Fund
a monthly fee based on that Fund's net assets at the end of the preceding month.
The annual rates of fees as a percentage of each Fund's net assets are as
follows:

    
FUND                                        FEE
- ---------------------------  -----------------------------------
Balanced                     .75%

Oakmark                      1% up to $2.5 billion; .95% on the 
                             next $1.25 billion; .90% on the 
                             next $1.25 billion; and .85% on
                             net assets in excess of $5 billion

International                1% up to $2.5 billion; .95% on the 
                             next $2.5 billion; and .90% on net 
                             assets in excess of $5 billion

Select                       1.00%

Small Cap and                1.25%
International Emerging
     

     Oakmark Fund paid advisory fees of $21,215,738, $13,431,816 and $6,164,542
for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
International Fund paid advisory fees of $9,916,904, $13,080,028 and $2,151,162
for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.  The
other Funds had not commenced operations as of October 31, 1995.
    
     The Agreement for each Fund is for an initial term expiring September 30,
1996, except that the initial term of the Agreement for the Select Fund will
expire September 30, 1998. Each Agreement will continue from year to year
thereafter so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by (1) the
board of trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund, and (2) a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons
of any party to the Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. Each Agreement may be terminated at any
time, without penalty, by either the Trust or the Adviser upon sixty days'
written notice, and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment
as defined in the 1940 Act.     

     The Agreement for each Fund will terminate automatically upon the
consummation of the anticipated merger of New England Mutual Life Insurance
Company (which controls the Adviser) into Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
However, it is expected that concurrent with that merger the Trust will enter a
new investment advisory agreement for each Fund with the Adviser on terms
identical to the terms of the Fund's present Agreement except for a change in
the effective date of the new agreement and an initial term expiring September
30, 1997 except for Select Fund which initial term will expire September 30, 
1998.

    
     The Adviser is a limited partnership managed by its general partner, Harris
Associates, Inc., whose directors are David G. Herro, Robert M. Levy, Roxanne M.
Martino, Victor A. Morgenstern, Anita M. Nagler, William C. Nygren, Neal Ryland,
Robert J. Sanborn and Peter S. Voss.  Mr. Morgenstern is the chairman of the
board and chief executive officer of Harris Associates, Inc.      

                             TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     Information on the trustees and officers of the Trust is included in the
Funds' prospectus under "Trustees and Officers."  All of that information is
incorporated herein by reference.

     The addresses of the trustees are as follows:

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
       Michael J. Friduss     c/o MJ Friduss & Associates
                              1555 Museum Drive
                              Highland Park, Illinois  60035
 
       Thomas H. Hayden       c/o Bozell Worldwide, Inc.
                              625 North Michigan Avenue
                              Chicago, Illinois  60611-3110
 
       Christine M. Maki      c/o Hyatt Corporation
                              200 West Madison Street
                              Chicago, Illinois  60606
 
       Victor A. Morgenstern  c/o Harris Associates L.P.
                              Two North La Salle Street, Suite 500
                              Chicago, Illinois  60602
 
       Allan J. Reich         c/o D'Ancona & Pflaum
                              30 North La Salle Street, Suite 2900
                              Chicago, Illinois  60602
 
       Marv R. Rotter         c/o Rotter & Associates
                              5 Revere Drive, Suite 400
                              Northbrook, Illinois  60062-1571
 
       Burton W. Ruder        c/o The Academy Group
                              707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 410
                              Northbrook, Illinois  60062
 
       Peter S. Voss          c/o New England Investment Companies, L.P.
                              399 Boylston Street
                              Boston, Massachusetts  02116
 
       Gary N. Wilner, M.D.   c/o Evanston Hospital
                              2650 Ridge Avenue
                              Evanston, Illinois  60201

     Messrs. Morgenstern and Voss are trustees who are "interested persons" of
the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act.  They and Dr. Wilner are members of the
executive committee, which has authority during intervals between meetings of
the board of trustees to exercise the powers of the board, with certain
exceptions.

    
     At June 30, 1996, the trustees and officers as a group owned beneficially
less than one percent of the outstanding shares of each Fund, except in the case
of _________ Fund, as to which the trustees and officers as a group owned
________ shares (____%).     

     The following table shows the compensation paid by the Trust in the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1995 to each trustee who was not an "interested person"
of the Trust:

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             AGGREGATE
                                           COMPENSATION
                     NAME OF TRUSTEE      FROM THE TRUST*
                  ---------------------------------------
                  <S>                     <C>
                  Christine M. Maki               $     0
                  James W. Ford                    18,500
                  Michael J. Friduss                    0
                  Thomas H. Hayden                      0
                  Allan J. Reich                   17,500
                  Burton W. Ruder                       0
                  Gary N. Wilner, M.D.             17,500
                  ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>

/*/The Trust is not part of a fund complex.  Ms. Maki and Messrs. Friduss,
 Hayden and Ruder became trustees on September 29, 1995.  Mr. Rotter did not
 become a trustee until after October 31, 1995.

Other trustees who are "interested persons" of The Trust, as well as the
officers of the Trust, are compensated by the Adviser and not by The Trust.  The
Trust does not provide any pension or retirement benefits to its trustees.

                            PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
    
     The only persons known by the Trust to own of record or "beneficially"
(within the meaning of that term as defined in rule 13d-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any Fund as of
June 30, 1996 were Donald Terao, as Trustee of the Harris Associates L.P. Profit
Sharing Trust, who held ____% of the shares of Small Cap Fund, ____% of the
shares of Balanced Fund and ____% of the shares of International Emerging Fund;
Victor A. Morgenstern, who owned beneficially ____% of the shares of Small Cap
Fund and ____% of the shares of International Emerging Fund; Clyde and Joan
McGregor, who owned beneficially ____% of the shares of Balanced Fund; David G.
Herro, who owned ____% of the shares of International Emerging Fund, and
American National Bank & Trust Co. of Chicago, as Trustee of the Donald Levin
Revocable Trust, who owned ____% of the shares of International Emerging Fund.
The address of American National Bank & Trust Co. of Chicago is 33 North La
Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60690 and the address of the other named
beneficial holders is Two North La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602.      

                        PURCHASING AND REDEEMING SHARES

     Purchases and redemptions are discussed in the Funds' prospectus under the
headings "How to Purchase Shares," "How to Redeem Shares," and "Shareholder
Services."  All of that information is incorporated herein by reference.

     The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined by the Trust's
custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company.  Securities traded on securities
exchanges, or in the over-the-counter market in which transaction prices are
reported on the NASDAQ National Market System, are valued at the last sales
prices at the time of valuation or, lacking any reported sales on that day, at
the most recent bid quotations.  Other securities traded over-the-counter are
also valued at the most recent bid quotations.  Money market instruments having
a maturity of 60 days or less 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
from the valuation date are valued on an amortized cost basis. The values of
securities of foreign issuers are generally based upon market quotations which,
depending upon local convention or regulation, may be last sale price, last bid
or asked price, or the mean between last bid and asked prices as of, in each
case, the close of the appropriate exchange or other designated time. Securities
for which quotations are not available and any other assets are valued at a fair
value as determined in good faith by the board of trustees. All assets and
liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S.
dollars at the mean of the bid and offer prices of such currencies against U.S.
dollars quoted by any major bank or dealer. If such quotations are not
available, the rate of exchange will be determined in accordance with policies
established in good faith by the Board.

     The Funds' net asset values are determined only on days on which the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading.  The Exchange is regularly closed on
Saturdays and Sundays and on New Year's Day, the third Monday in February, Good
Friday, the last Monday in May, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and
Christmas.  If one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Exchange
will be closed on the preceding Friday or the following Monday, respectively.

     Trading in the portfolio securities of International Fund or International
Emerging Fund (and of any other Fund, to the extent it invests in securities of
non-U.S. issuers) takes place in various foreign markets on certain days (such
as Saturday) when the Fund is not open for business and does not calculate its
net asset value.  In addition, trading in the Fund's portfolio securities may
not occur on days when the Fund is open.  Therefore, the calculation of net
asset value does not take place contemporaneously with the determinations of the
prices of many of the Fund's portfolio securities and the value of the Fund's
portfolio may be significantly affected on days when shares of the Fund may not
be purchased or redeemed.

     Computation of net asset value (and the sale and redemption of a Fund's
shares) may be suspended or postponed during any period when (a) trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is restricted, as determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or that exchange is closed for other than customary weekend
and holiday closings, (b) the Commission has by order permitted such suspension,
or (c) an emergency, as determined by the Commission, exists making disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of the net assets of a Fund not reasonably
practicable.

     Shares of any of the Funds may be purchased through certain financial
service companies, without incurring any transaction fee.  For accounting and
shareholder servicing services provided by such a company with respect to Fund
shares held by that company for its customers, the company may charge a fee of
up to 0.35% of the annual average value of those accounts.  Each Fund pays a
portion of those fees not to exceed the estimated fees that the Fund would pay
to its own transfer agent if the shares of the Fund held by such customers of
the company were registered directly in their names on the books of the Fund's
transfer agent.  The balance of those fees are paid by the Adviser.

     The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act
pursuant to which it is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the
lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of a Fund during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder.  Redemptions in excess of the above amounts will
normally be paid in cash, but may be paid wholly or partly by a distribution in
kind of marketable securities.

     Due to the relatively high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem at net asset value the shares of any shareholder
whose account in any Fund has a value of less than the minimum amount specified
by the board of trustees, which currently is $1,000.  Before such a redemption,
the shareholder will be notified that the account value is less 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
than the minimum and will be allowed at least 30 days to bring the value of the
account up to the minimum. The agreement and declaration of trust also
authorizes the Trust to redeem shares under certain other circumstances as may
be specified by the board of trustees.

     In connection with the Exchange Plan, the Adviser acts as a Service
Organization for the Government Portfolio and the Tax-Exempt Diversified
Portfolio of Goldman Sachs Money Market Trust and the GS Short Duration Fund
Portfolio of Goldman Sachs Trust.  For its services it receives fees at rates of
up to .50% of the average annual net assets of each account in those portfolios
established through the Exchange Plan, pursuant to 12b-1 plans adopted by those
investment companies.

                          ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION

     GENERAL.  Each Fund intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, so as to be relieved of federal income tax on its capital gains and net
investment income currently distributed to its shareholders.  At the time of
your purchase, a Fund's net asset value may reflect undistributed income,
capital gains or net unrealized appreciation of securities held by that Fund.  A
subsequent distribution to you of such amounts, although constituting a return
of your investment, would be taxable either as dividends or capital gain
distributions.

     INTERNATIONAL FUND AND INTERNATIONAL EMERGING FUND.  Dividends and
distributions paid by International Fund and International Emerging Fund are not
eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders, if as
expected, none of such Funds' income consists of dividends paid by United States
corporations.  Capital gain distributions paid by the Funds are never eligible
for this deduction.

     Certain foreign currency gains and losses, including the portion of gain or
loss on the sale of debt securities attributable to foreign exchange rate
fluctuations are taxable as ordinary income.  If the net effect of these
transactions is a gain, the dividend paid by either of these Funds will be
increased; if the result is a loss, the income dividend paid by either of these
Funds will be decreased.

     Income received by International Fund or International Emerging Fund from
sources within various foreign countries will be subject to foreign income taxes
withheld at the source.  Under the Code, if more than 50% of the value of the
Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year comprise securities issued
by foreign corporations, the Fund may file an election with the Internal Revenue
Service to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of foreign
income taxes paid by the Fund.  Pursuant to this election, shareholders will be
required to: (i) include in gross income, even though not actually received,
their respective pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund; (ii) treat
their pro rata share of foreign taxes as paid by them; and (iii) either deduct
their pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing their taxable income, or use
it as a foreign tax credit against U.S. income taxes (but not both).  No
deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize
deductions.

     Both International Fund and International Emerging Fund intend to meet the
requirements of the Code to "pass through" to its shareholders foreign income
taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to do so.
Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of each taxable
year of a Fund, if the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for
that year, and, if so, the amount of each shareholder's pro rata share (by
country) of (i) the foreign taxes paid, and (ii) the Fund's gross income from
foreign sources.  Of course, shareholders who are not liable for federal income
taxes, such as retirement plans qualified under Section 401 of the Code, will
not be affected by any such "pass through" of foreign tax credits.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                       TAXATION OF FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

     The Code provides that dividends from net income (which are deemed to
include for this purpose each shareholder's pro rata share of foreign taxes paid
by International Fund and International Emerging Fund (see discussion of "pass
through" of the foreign tax credit to U.S. shareholders), will be subject to
U.S. tax.  For shareholders who are not engaged in a business in the U.S., this
tax would be imposed at the rate of 30% upon the gross amount of the dividend in
the absence of a Tax Treaty providing for a reduced rate or exemption from U.S.
taxation.  Distributions of net long-term capital gains realized by these Funds
are not subject to tax unless the foreign shareholder is a nonresident alien
individual who was physically present in the U.S. during the tax year for more
than 182 days.

                            PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

     Portfolio transactions for each Fund are placed with those securities
brokers and dealers that the Adviser believes will provide the best value in
transaction and research services for that Fund, either in a particular
transaction or over a period of time.  Subject to that standard, portfolio
transactions for each Fund may be executed through Harris Associates Securities
L.P. ("HASLP"), a registered broker-dealer and an affiliate of the Adviser.

     In valuing brokerage services, the Adviser makes a judgment as to which
brokers are capable of providing the most favorable net price (not necessarily
the lowest commission) and the best execution in a particular transaction.  Best
execution connotes not only general competence and reliability of a broker, but
specific expertise and effort of a broker in overcoming the anticipated
difficulties in fulfilling the requirements of particular transactions, because
the problems of execution and the required skills and effort vary greatly among
transactions.

     Although some transactions involve only brokerage services, many involve
research services as well.  In valuing research services, the Adviser makes a
judgment of the usefulness of research and other information provided by a
broker to the Adviser in managing a Fund's investment portfolio.  In some cases,
the information, e.g., data or recommendations concerning particular securities,
relates to the specific transaction placed with the broker, but for the greater
part the research consists of a wide variety of information concerning
companies, industries, investment strategy and economic, financial and political
conditions and prospects, useful to the Adviser in advising the Funds.

     The Adviser is the principal source of information and advice to the Funds,
and is responsible for making and initiating the execution of the investment
decisions for each Fund.  However, the board of trustees recognizes that it is
important for the Adviser, in performing its responsibilities to the Funds, to
continue to receive and evaluate the broad spectrum of economic and financial
information that many securities brokers have customarily furnished in
connection with brokerage transactions, and that in compensating brokers for
their services, it is in the interest of the Funds to take into account the
value of the information received for use in advising the Funds.  Consequently,
the commission paid to brokers (other than HASLP) providing research services
may be greater than the amount of commission another broker would charge for the
same transaction.  The extent, if any, to which the obtaining of such
information may reduce the expenses of the Adviser in providing management
services to the Funds is not determinable.  In addition, it is understood by the
board of trustees that other clients of the Adviser might also benefit from the
information obtained for the Funds, in the same manner that the Funds might also
benefit from information obtained by the Adviser in performing services to
others.

     HASLP may act as broker for a Fund in connection with the purchase or sale
of securities by or to the Fund if and to the extent permitted by procedures
adopted from time to time by the 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
board of trustees of the Trust. The board of trustees, including a majority of
the trustees who are not "interested" trustees, has determined that portfolio
transactions for a Fund may be executed through HASLP if, in the judgment of the
Adviser, the use of HASLP is likely to result in prices and execution at least
as favorable to the Fund as those available from other qualified brokers and if,
in such transactions, HASLP charges the Fund commission rates at least as
favorable to the Fund as those charged by HASLP to comparable unaffiliated
customers in similar transactions. The board of trustees has also adopted
procedures that are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or
other remuneration paid to HASLP are consistent with the foregoing standard. The
Funds will not effect principal transactions with HASLP. In executing
transactions through HASLP, the Funds will be subject to, and intend to comply
with, section 17(e) of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.

     The reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds in relation
to transaction and research services received is evaluated by the staff of the
Adviser on an ongoing basis.  The general level of brokerage charges and other
aspects of the Funds' portfolio transactions are reviewed periodically by the
board of trustees.

     Transactions of the Funds in the over-the-counter market and the third
market are executed with primary market makers acting as principal except where
it is believed that better prices and execution may be obtained otherwise.

     Although investment decisions for the Funds are made independently from
those for other investment advisory clients of the Adviser, it may develop that
the same investment decision is made for both a Fund and one or more other
advisory clients.  If both a Fund and other clients purchase or sell the same
class of securities on the same day, the transactions will be allocated as to
amount and price in a manner considered equitable to each.
    
     The Funds do not purchase securities with a view to rapid turnover.
However, there are no limitations on the length of time that portfolio
securities must be held. Portfolio turnover can occur for a number of reasons,
including general conditions in the securities market, more favorable investment
opportunities in other securities, or other factors relating to the desirability
of holding or changing a portfolio investment. A high rate of portfolio turnover
would result in increased transaction expense, which must be borne by the Fund.
High portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of capital gains or
losses and, to the extent net short-term capital gains are realized, any
distributions resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for
federal income tax purposes. The portfolio turnover rates for Oakmark Fund and
International Fund are set forth in the prospectus under "Financial Highlights."
The portfolio turnover rate of each of Small Cap Fund, Balanced Fund, Select
Fund and International Emerging Fund is not expected to exceed 100%.     

     The following table shows the aggregate brokerage commissions (excluding
the gross underwriting spread on securities purchased in initial public
offerings) paid by each of Oakmark Fund and International Fund during the
periods indicated, as well as the aggregate commissions paid to affiliated
persons of the Trust.  The other Funds had not commenced operations as of
October 31, 1995.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 Year Ended October 31,
                                    -------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1995                 1994                 1993
                                    -------------------  -------------------  -------------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>
Oakmark Fund
  Aggregate commissions...........  $2,100,849   (100%)  $1,594,102   (100%)  $1,307,780   (100%)
  Commissions paid to affiliates..     389,339  (18.5%)     244,055   ( 15%)     336,495   ( 26%)
 
 International Fund
  Aggregate commissions...........  $2,609,780   (100%)  $5,170,141   (100%)  $2,336,588   (100%)
  Commissions paid to affiliates..      71,600   (2.7%)       6,980   (0.1%)         -0-
</TABLE>

     Of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid during the 1995 fiscal year,
Oakmark Fund and International Fund paid $2,098,694 and $2,609, respectively, to
brokers who furnished research services.

     The brokerage commissions paid by Oakmark Fund to an affiliated person
during fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993 were paid in connection with
transactions aggregating 7.5%, 17% and 24%, respectively, of the aggregate
dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of brokerage commissions by
the Fund.

     The brokerage commissions paid by International Fund to an affiliated
person during fiscal years 1995 and 1994 were paid in connection with
transactions aggregating 1.6% and 0.3%, respectively, of the aggregate dollar
amount of transactions involving the payment of brokerage commissions by the
Fund.

                             DECLARATION OF TRUST

     The Agreement and Declaration of Trust under which the Trust has been
organized ("Declaration of Trust") disclaims liability of the shareholders,
trustees and officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust and
requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation,
or contract entered into or executed by the Trust or the board of trustees.  The
Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust's assets for
all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for
obligations of the Trust.  Thus, although shareholders of a business trust may,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable under Massachusetts law
for the obligations of the Trust, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial
loss on account of shareholder liability is believed to be remote because it is
limited to circumstances in which the disclaimer is inoperative and the Trust
itself is unable to meet its obligations.  The risk to any one series of
sustaining a loss on account of liabilities incurred by another series is also
believed to be remote.

                                  CUSTODIAN
    
     State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8510, Boston Massachusetts
02266-8510 is the custodian for the Trust. It is responsible for holding all
securities and cash of each Fund, receiving and paying for securities purchased,
delivering against payment securities sold, receiving and collecting income from
investments, making all payments covering expenses of the Funds, and performing
other administrative duties, all as directed by authorized persons of the Trust.
The custodian also performs certain portfolio accounting services for the Funds,
for which each Fund pays the custodian a monthly fee. The fee paid by Oakmark
Fund is $2,500 per month. The fee paid by Oakmark International is $3,000 per
month. The fee paid by each of Small Cap Fund, Balanced Fund and Select Fund is
$2,500 per month and the fee paid by International Emerging Fund is $3,000 per
month, which fees have been waived during the first six months of operations of
each of the Funds. The custodian does not exercise any supervisory function in
     
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
such matters as the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, payment of
dividends, or payment of expenses of a Fund. The Trust has authorized the
custodian to deposit certain portfolio securities of each Fund in central
depository systems as permitted under federal law. The Funds may invest in
obligations of the custodian and may purchase or sell securities from or to the
custodian.

                        INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     Arthur Andersen LLP, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, audits
and reports on each Fund's annual financial statements, reviews certain
regulatory reports and the Funds' federal income tax returns, and performs other
professional accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services when engaged to do
so by the Trust.

                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     Copies of the annual reports for Oakmark Fund and International Fund for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 and of the semi-annual reports for each
Fund other than Select Fund for the six months ended April 30, 1996 accompany
this Statement of Additional Information.  Those reports contain financial
statements, notes thereto, supplementary information entitled "Condensed
Financial Information" and, in the case of the annual reports, reports of
independent auditors, all of which (but no other part of the reports) are
incorporated herein by reference.
    
     A copy of the Funds' Prospectus and additional copies of the reports to
shareholders may be obtained from the Trust at no charge by writing to the
Trust at the address shown on the cover page of this statement of additional
information, or by telephoning the number shown on the cover page.     

                           APPENDIX -- BOND RATINGS

     A rating by a rating service represents the service's opinion as to the
credit quality of the security being rated.  However, the ratings are general
and are not absolute standards of quality or guarantees as to the credit-
worthiness of an issuer.  Consequently, the Adviser believes that the quality of
debt securities in which the Fund invests should be continuously reviewed and
that individual analysts give different weightings to the various factors
involved in credit analysis.  A rating is not a recommendation to purchase,
sell, or hold a security, because it does not take into account market value or
suitability for a particular investor.  When a security has received a rating
from more than one service, each rating should be evaluated independently.
Ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by
the rating services from other sources which they consider reliable.  Ratings
may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or
unavailability of such information, or for other reasons.

     The following is a description of the characteristics of ratings used by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P").

RATINGS BY MOODY'S:

     AAA.  Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality.  They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge."
Interest payments are protected by a large or an exceptionally stable margin and
principal is secure.  Although 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 bonds.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
     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 the Aaa bonds, fluctuation of protective elements may
be of greater amplitude, or there may be other elements present which make the
long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa bonds.

     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 sometime 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.

     Ba.  Bonds 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
other good and bad times over the future.  Uncertainty of position characterizes
bonds in this class.

     B.  Bonds 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 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 rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high
degree.  Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

     C.  Bonds 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.

Ratings By Standard & Poor's:

     AAA.  Debt rated AAA has the highest rating.  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 issues only in a small degree.

     A.  Debt rated A has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the 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 for debt in higher rated categories.

     BB-B-CCC-CC.  Bonds rated BB, B, CCC and CC are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
in accordance with the terms of the obligation. While such bonds will likely
have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

     C.  This rating is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.

     D.  Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.

     NOTE:  The ratings from AA to B may be modified by the addition of a plus
(+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                           PART C  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 24.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
          ---------------------------------


(a)  Financial statements:
     ---------------------
    
          (1) Financial statements included in Part A of this amendment:


                Financial Highlights

          (2) Financial statements included in Part B of this amendment:     

                       
            (i) Audited financial statements of The Oakmark Fund and The Oakmark
          International Fund (statements of investments at October 31, 1995,
          statements of assets and liabilities at October 31, 1995, statements
          of operations for the year ended October 31, 1995, statements of
          changes in net assets for each of the years ended October 31, 1995 and
          October 31, 1994 and notes to financial statements) incorporated by
          reference to those portions of Registrant's Annual Report - October
          31, 1995.     
                       
            (ii) Unaudited financial statements of The Oakmark Fund, The Oakmark
          Small Cap Fund, The Oakmark Balanced Fund, The Oakmark International
          Fund and The Oakmark International Emerging Value Fund (statements of
          investments at April 30, 1996, statements of assets and liabilities at
          April 30, 1996, statements of changes in net assets for the six months
          ended April 30, 1996 and notes to financial statements) incorporated
          by reference to those portions of Registrant's Semi-Annual Report -
          April 30, 1996.     
              
          Schedule I for each Fund has been omitted as the required information
          is presented in the Schedules of Investments at October 31, 1995 and
          April 30, 1996.  Schedules II, III, IV, V, VI and VII for each Fund
          are omitted as the required information is not present.     
                   
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
        

(b)    Exhibits:
       ---------

Note:  As used herein, "Registration Statement" refers to this registration
       statement under the Securities Act of 1933, no. 33-38953.  "Pre-effective
       Amendment" refers to a pre-effective amendment to the Registration
       Statement, and "Post-effective Amendment" refers to a post-effective
       amendment to the Registration Statement.

1      Agreement and declaration of trust  (exhibit 1 to the Registration
       Statement*)

2      Bylaws as amended through September 21, 1993 (exhibit 2 to Post-effective
       Amendment no. 5*)

3      None

4      The registrant no longer issues share certificates.  The form of share
       certificate formerly used for the series designated The Oakmark Fund was
       filed as Exhibit 4 to Pre-effective Amendment no. 2.*

5.1(a) Investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Fund dated September 30,
       1995 (exhibit 5.1 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

5.1(b) Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Fund dated
       ___________, 1996 (exhibit 5.1(b) to Post-effective Amendment no. 11*)

5.2(a) Investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark International Fund dated
       September 30, 1995 (exhibit 5.2 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

5.2(b) Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark International Fund
       dated ___________, 1996 (exhibit 5.2(b) to Post-effective Amendment no.
       11*)

5.3(a) Investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Small Cap Fund dated
       September 30, 1995 (exhibit 5.3 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

5.3(b) Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Small Cap Fund
       dated ___________, 1996 (exhibit 5.3(b) to Post-effective Amendment no.
       11*)

5.4(a) Investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Balanced Fund dated
       September 30, 1995 (exhibit 5.4 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)


                                     C-2
<PAGE>
 
5.4(b) Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Balanced Fund dated
       ___________, 1996 (exhibit 5.4(b) to Post-effective Amendment no. 11*)

5.5(a) Investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark International Emerging
       Value Fund dated September 30, 1995 (exhibit 5.5 to Post-effective
       Amendment no. 10*)

5.5(b) Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark International
       Emerging Value Fund dated ___________, 1996 (exhibit 5.5(b) to Post-
       effective Amendment no. 11*)

    
5.6    Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark Select Fund dated
       ___________, 1996     

6      None

7      None

8.1    Custody agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company dated July 10,
       1991 (exhibit 8 to Pre-effective Amendment no. 2*)

8.2    Special custody account agreement (short sales) dated September 24, 1991
       (exhibit 8.1 to Pre-effective Amendment no. 1*)

8.3    Form of letter agreement applying custody agreement (exhibit 8.1) to The
       Oakmark International Fund (exhibit 8.2 to Post-effective Amendment no.
       2*)

8.4    Form of letter agreement applying custody agreement (exhibit 8.1) and
       transfer agency agreement to The Oakmark Small Cap Fund, The Oakmark
       Balanced Fund and The Oakmark International Emerging Value Fund (exhibit
       8.4 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

9      None

10.1   Opinion of Ropes & Gray dated July 11, 1991 - The Oakmark Fund (exhibit
       10 to Pre-effective Amendment no. 2*)

10.2   Opinion of Bell, Boyd & Lloyd dated July 23, 1992 - The Oakmark
       International Fund (exhibit 10.1 to Post-effective Amendment no. 2*)

10.3   Opinion of Ropes & Gray dated September 20, 1995 - The Oakmark
       International Fund, The Oakmark Small Cap Fund, The Oakmark Balanced Fund
       and The Oakmark International Emerging Value Fund (exhibit 10.3 to Post-
       effective Amendment no. 10*)

10.4   Opinion of Bell, Boyd & Lloyd dated September 20, 1995 - The Oakmark
       Small Cap Fund, The Oakmark Balanced Fund and The Oakmark International
       Emerging Value Fund (exhibit 10.4 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)


                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
    
10.5   Opinion of Ropes & Gray dated ___________, 1996 - The Oakmark Select
       Fund**     

    
10.6   Opinion of Bell, Boyd & Lloyd dated ___________, 1996 - The Oakmark
       Select Fund**     

11     Consent of independent public accountants

12     None

13.1   Organizational expense agreement for The Oakmark Fund dated July 31, 1991
       (exhibit 13.2 to Post-effective Amendment no. 5*)

13.2   Organizational expense agreement for The Oakmark International Fund dated
       September 15, 1992 (exhibit 13.3 to Post-effective Amendment no. 5*)

13.3   Organizational expense agreement for The Oakmark Small Cap Fund, The
       Oakmark Balanced Fund and The Oakmark International Emerging Value Fund
       dated July 6, 1995 (exhibit 13.3 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

    
13.4   Organizational expense agreement for The Oakmark Select Fund dated
       ___________, 1996**     

    
13.5   Form of subscription agreement (exhibit 13.1 to Registration 
       Statement*)     

14.1   The Oakmark Funds IRA Plan booklet, revised September 30, 1995 (exhibit
       14.1 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

14.2   Form of IRA application and adoption agreement, revised September 30,
       1995 (exhibit 14.2 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

15     None

16     Schedule for computation of performance quotations (exhibit 16 to Post-
       effective Amendment no. 4*)

17     Financial data schedule (exhibit 17 to Post-effective Amendment no. 13*)

18.1   Form of new account purchase application, revised September 30, 1995
       (exhibit 18.1 to Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)

18.2   Shareholder services form, revised September 30, 1995 (exhibit 18.2 to
       Post-effective Amendment no. 10*)


____________________
    
 *  Incorporated by reference

 **  To be filed by amendment     



                                      C-4
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 25.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
          -------------------------------------------------------------

     The registrant does not consider that there are any persons directly or
indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, the
registrant within the meaning of this item.  The information in the prospectus
under the caption "Management of the Fund" and in the Statement of Additional
Information under the caption "Investment Adviser" and "Trustees and Officers"
is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 26.  NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
          -------------------------------

    
     As of June 30, 1996, the respective series of the Trust had the following
numbers of shareholders of record:  The Oakmark Fund, 173,448; The Oakmark Small
Cap Fund, 8,568; The Oakmark Balanced Fund, 942; The Oakmark International Fund,
51,719; The Oakmark International Emerging Value Fund, 2,894.  No shares of The
Oakmark Select Fund had been issued.     

ITEM 27.  INDEMNIFICATION
          ---------------

     Article VIII of the agreement and declaration of trust of registrant
(exhibit 1 to this registration statement, which is incorporated herein by
reference) provides that registrant shall provide certain indemnification of its
trustees and officers.  In accordance with Section 17(h) of the Investment
Company Act, that provision shall not protect any person against any liability
to the registrant or its shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

     The registrant, its trustees and officers, Harris Associates L.P. ("HALP")
(the investment adviser to registrant) and certain affiliated persons of HALP
and affiliated persons of such persons are insured under a policy of insurance
maintained by registrant and HALP, within the limits and subject to the
limitations of the policy, against certain expenses in connection with the
defense of actions, suits or proceedings, and certain liabilities that might be
imposed as a result of such actions, suits or proceedings, to which they are
parties by reason of being or having been such trustees, directors or officers.
The policy expressly excludes coverage for any trustee or officer whose personal
dishonesty, fraudulent breach of trust, lack of good faith, or intention to
deceive or defraud has been finally adjudicated or may be established or who
willfully fails to act prudently.

ITEM 28.  BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
          ----------------------------------------------------

     The information in the prospectus under the caption "Management of the
Funds" is incorporated by reference.  Neither the Adviser nor its general
partner has at any time during the past two years been engaged in any other
business, profession, vocation or employment of a 


                                      C-5
<PAGE>
 
substantial nature either for its own account or in the capacity of director,
officer, employee, partner or trustee, except that the Adviser is a registered
commodity trading adviser and commodity pool operator and its general partner is
also the general partner of a securities broker-dealer firm.

ITEM 29.  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
          ----------------------

     Not applicable

ITEM 30.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
          --------------------------------
    
     Mr. Victor A. Morgenstern
     Harris Associates L.P.
     Two North La Salle Street, Suite 500
     Chicago, Illinois  60602     

ITEM 31.  MANAGEMENT SERVICES
          -------------------

     None

ITEM 32.  UNDERTAKINGS
          ------------

     (a)  Not applicable

    
     (b)  Registrant undertakes to file, within four to six months after
          effectiveness of a post-effective amendment containing a prospectus
          and statement of additional information for Registrant's new series,
          The Oakmark Select Fund, a further post-effective amendment containing
          financial statements of that Fund, which need not be audited, of such
          series.     

     (c)  Registrant undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a prospectus
          is delivered a copy of the latest annual report(s) to shareholders of
          Registrant.

     (d)  Registrant undertakes, if required to do so by the holders of at least
          10% of the Registrant's outstanding shares, to call a meeting of
          shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of
          a director or directors and to assist in communications with other
          shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the Investment Company
          Act of 1940.



                                      C-6
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

    
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant certifies that it has duly caused
this amendment to its registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Chicago, Illinois on July 31, 
1996.     

                                  
                              HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST


                              By /s/ Victor A. Morgenstern
                                 -------------------------
                                 Victor A. Morgenstern, President     
    
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.     

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
       Name                   Title                      Date
       ----                   -----                      ----

<S>                          <C>                         <C>
 
/s/ Michael J. Friduss       Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Michael J. Friduss                                       )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Thomas H. Hayden         Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Thomas H. Hayden                                         )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Christine M. Maki        Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Christine M. Maki                                        )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Victor A. Morgenstern    Trustee and President       )
- ---------------------------  (chief executive officer)   )
Victor A. Morgenstern                                    )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Allan J. Reich           Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Allan J. Reich                                           )
                                                         )     July 31, 1996
                                                         )
/s/ Marv R. Rotter           Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Marv R. Rotter                                           )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Burton W. Ruder          Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Burton W. Ruder                                          )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Peter S. Voss            Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Peter S. Voss                                            )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Gary N. Wilner           Trustee                     )
- ---------------------------                              )
Gary N. Wilner                                           )
                                                         )
                                                         )
/s/ Donald Terao             Treasurer (principal        )
- ---------------------------  accounting officer)         )
Donald Terao                                             )

</TABLE>      
<PAGE>
 
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 -------------

                                                                   Sequential
Exhibit                                                               Page
- -------                                                            ----------
    
5.6      Form of investment advisory agreement for The Oakmark 
         Select Fund dated ___________, 1996     

11       Consent of independent public accountants


<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 5.6


                         INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
                                     FOR 
                            THE OAKMARK SELECT FUND


        HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST, a Massachusetts business trust 
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") as an 
open-end diversified management investment company (the "Trust"), and HARRIS 
ASSOCIATES L.P., a Delaware limited partnership registered under the Investment 
Advisers Act of 1940 as an investment adviser (the "Adviser"), agree as follows:

        1.      APPOINTMENT OF ADVISER.  The Trust appoints the Adviser to act 
as manager and investment adviser to the Oakmark Select Fund (the "Fund"), a 
series of the Trust, for the period and on the terms herein set forth. The 
adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set 
forth, for the compensation herein provided.

        2.      SERVICES OF ADVISER.

                (a)     The Adviser shall manage the investment and reinvestment
of the assets of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the board of trustees 
of the Trust, for the period an the terms set forth in this agreement. The 
Adviser shall give due consideration to the investment policies and restrictions
and the other statements concerning the Fund in the Trust's Agreement and 
Declaration of Trust, bylaws and registration statements under the 1940 Act and 
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), and to the provisions of the 
Internal Revenue Code applicable to the Trust as a regulated Investment company.
The Adviser shall be deemed for all purposes to be an independent contractor 
and not an agent of the Trust or the Fund, and unless otherwise expressly 
provided or authorized, shall have no authority to act or represent the Trust or
the Fund in any way.

                (b)     The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and
sale of portfolio securities for the account of the Fund with brokers or dealers
selected by the Adviser, although the fund will pay the actual brokerage 
commissions on portfolio transactions in accordance with Paragraph 4.  In 
executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the Adviser 
will use its best efforts to seek on behalf of the Fund the best overall terms 
available for any transaction.  The Advisor shall consider all factors it deems 
relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the
security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or 
dealer, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any (for the specific 
transaction on a continuing basis).

                (c)     To the extent contemplated by the Trust's registration 
statement under the 1933 Act, in evaluating the best overall terms available, 
and in selecting the broker or dealer to execute a particular transaction, the 
Adviser may also consider the brokerage and research services (as those terms 
are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ) provided 
to the Fund and/or other accounts over which the Advisor or an affiliate of the 
Adviser exercises investment discretion. Consistent with the Rules of Fair 
Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and subject to 
seeking the most favorable combination of net price and execution available, the
Adviser may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Adviser is 
authorized to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research
services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which 
is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have 
charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the adviser determines 
in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of 
the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in
terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all the accounts over 
which investment discretion is so exercised.

<PAGE>
 
        3.      SERVICES OTHER THAN AS ADVISER.  The Adviser (or an affiliate of
the Adviser) may act as broker for the Trust in connection with the purchase 
or sale of securities by or to the Trust if and to the extent permitted by 
procedures adopted from time to time by the board of trustees of the Trust.  
Such brokerage services are not within the scope of the duties of the 
Adviser under this agreement, and, within the limits permitted by law and the
trustees, the Adviser (or an affiliate of the Adviser) may receive brokerage 
commissions, fees or other remuneration from the Trust for such services in 
addition to its fee for services as Adviser.  Within the limits permitted
by law, the Adviser may receive compensation from the Trust for other 
services performed by or for the Trust which are not within the scope of 
the duties of the Adviser under this agreement.

        4.      EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY ADVISER.  The Adviser shall furnish to 
the Trust, at its own expense, such office space and all office facilities, 
equipment and personnel necessary to render the services set forth in paragraph 
2 above.  The Adviser shall also assume and pay all expenses incurred by it 
related to the placement of securities orders, and all expenses of marketing 
shares of the Trust.

        5.      EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY THE TRUST.  The Trust shall pay all 
expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser, including but not limited to: all
charges of depositories, custodians and other agencies for the safekeeping and 
servicing of its cash, securities and other property and of its transfer agents,
fund accounting agents, registrars and its dividend disbursing and redemption 
agents, if any; all charges of legal counsel and of independent auditors; all 
compensation of trustees other than those affiliated with the Adviser and all 
expenses incurred in connection with their services to the Trust; all costs of 
borrowing money; all expenses of publication of notices and reports to its 
shareholders and to governmental bodies or regulatory agencies; all expenses of 
proxy solicitations of the Trust or its board of trustees with respect to the 
Fund; all expenses of shareholder meetings; all expenses of typesetting of the 
Fund's prospectus and of printing and mailing copies of the prospectus furnished
to each then-existing shareholder or beneficial owner; all taxes and fees 
payable to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign; 
all stamp or other transfer taxes; all expenses of printing and mailing 
certificates for shares of the Trust; all expenses of bond and insurance 
coverage required by law or deemed advisable by the Trust's board of trustees; 
all expenses of maintaining the registration of shares of the Trust under the 
1933 Act and of qualifying and maintaining qualification of shares of the Trust 
under the securities laws of such United States jurisdictions as the Trust may 
from time to time reasonably designate and all expenses of maintaining the 
registration of the Trust under the 1940 Act; and all fees, dues and other 
expenses related to membership of the Trust in any trade association or other 
investment company organization.  In addition to the payment of expenses, the 
Trust shall also pay all brokers' commissions and other charges relating to the 
purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

        6.      COMPENSATION OF ADVISER.  For the services to be rendered and 
the charges and expenses to be assumed and to be paid by the Adviser hereunder, 
the Trust shall pay out of Fund assets to the Adviser a monthly fee, based on 
the Fund's net assets as of the last business day of the preceding month, at the
annual rate of 1.00% of net assets.  The fee for a month shall be paid as soon 
as practicable after the last day of that month.  The fee payable hereunder 
shall be reduced proportionately during any month in which this agreement is 
not in effect for the entire month.

        7.      LIMITATION OF EXPENSES OF THE FUND.  The total expenses of the 
Fund, exclusive of taxes, interest and extraordinary litigation expenses, but 
including fees paid to the Adviser, shall not in any fiscal year of the Trust 
exceed the most restrictive limits prescribed by any state in which Fund shares 
are then being offered for sale, and the Adviser agrees to reimburse the Fund 
for any sums expended for such expenses in excess of that amount.  Brokers' 
commissions and other charges relating to the purchase and sale of portfolio 
securities shall not be regarded as expenses.

                                       2

<PAGE>
 
        8.      SERVICES OF ADVISER NOT EXCLUSIVE. The services of the adviser 
to the Trust hereunder are not exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to 
render similar services to others so long as its services under this agreement 
are not impaired by such other activities.

        9.      LIABILITY OF ADVISER. The Adviser shall not be liable to the 
Trust or its shareholders for any loss suffered by the Trust or its shareholders
from or as a consequence of any act or omission of the Adviser, or of any of the
partners, employees or agents of the Adviser, in connection with or pursuant to 
this agreement, except by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross 
negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties or by 
reason of reckless disregard by the Adviser of its obligations and duties under 
this agreement.

        10.     LIABILITY OF TRUST. The obligations of the Trust hereunder shall
not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, 
agents or employees of the Trust, personally, but shall bind only the assets and
property of the Trust as provided in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of 
the Trust.

        11.     USE OF ADVISER'S NAME. The Trust may use the name "Harris
Associates Investment Trust," or any other name derived from the name "Harris
Associates," and the name "Oakmark" only for so long as this agreement or any
extension, renewal or amendment hereof remains in effect, including any similar
agreement with any organization which shall have succeeded to the business of
the Adviser as investment adviser. At such time as this agreement or any
extension, renewal or amendment hereof, or such other similar agreement shall no
longer be in effect, the Trust will (by amendment of its Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, if necessary) cease to use any name derived from the name
"Harris Associates," any name similar thereto or any other name indicating that
it is advised by or otherwise connected with the Adviser, or with any
organization which shall have succeeded to the Adviser's business as investment
adviser, and shall cease to use the name "Oakmark" or any name derived from the
name "Oakmark." The consent of the Adviser to the use of such names by the Trust
shall not prevent the Adviser's permitting any other enterprise, including
another investment company, to use such name or names.

        12.     DURATION AND RENEWAL.

                (a)     Unless terminated as provided in section 13, this 
agreement shall continue in effect until September 30, 1998, and thereafter from
year to year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually (a) by a majority of those trustees who are not interested persons of 
the Trust or of the Adviser, voting in person at a meeting called for the 
purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by either the board of trustees of 
the Trust or a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of 
the Fund (which term as used throughout this agreement shall be construed in 
accordance with the definition of "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting 
securities of a company" in section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act).

                (b)     Any approval of this agreement by the holders of 
majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund shall be effective to continue 
this agreement notwithstanding that it has not been approved by the vote of a 
majority of the outstanding shares of the Trust, unless such approval shall be 
required by any other applicable law or otherwise.

        13.     TERMINATION. This agreement may be terminated at any time, 
without payment of any penalty, by the board of trustees of the Trust, or by a 
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, upon 60
days' written notice to the Adviser. This agreement may be terminated by the 
Adviser at any time upon 60 days' written notice to the Trust. This agreement 
shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in 
section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act).


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
        14.     AMENDMENT.  This agreement may not be amended without the 
affirmative vote (a) of a majority of those trustees who are not "interested 
persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust and (b) 
of the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

Dated: _________________, 1996


                                HARRIS ASSOCIATES INVESTMENT TRUST
                                
                                
                                By: ____________________________________
                                
                                
                                
                                HARRIS ASSOCIATES L.P.
                                  by Harris Associates, Inc.
                                        its General Partner
                                
                                
                                By: ____________________________________


<PAGE>
 
                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

                                                                    "Exhibit 11"





                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report 
dated December 5, 1995, and to all references to our firm included in or made 
part of this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Harris Associates 
Investment Trust (comprising the Oakmark Fund and the Oakmark International 
Fund).




                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Chicago, Illinois
July 29, 1996


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