Glenda,  Our VP for Administrative services pushed to do the
 same last year (he was new).  Luckily our Provost (my boss)
 put his foot down.  Our structure is similar to yours.  We do
 not see ourselves as an administrative body.  We are here for
 academic support.  We serve the faculty in providing them
 incentives, encouragement, and assistance in their scholoarly
 pursuits.  It is not a good idea for that type of office to
 be thrown in with what is by nature a policy
 enforcing, and rule mandating area.  Our faculty know that
 they can come to us for support and assistance with
 administrative problems that arise with their sponsored
 projects.  They do not feel this way about Administrative
 Services.  Perhaps part of this is just OUR campus climate,
 but it still doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

 What is their reasoning?

         Beth Seaton
         Western Il. University