(Davie, Florida-AP) May 28, 2003 - The University of Miami is moving closer to a decision on joining the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The school's executive committee of the board of trustees will meet Wednesday to discuss moving from the Big East to the ACC. The university also will host the first of three ACC site visits Friday.

ACC officials are expected at Boston College and Syracuse early next week in what's seen as the next step in a likely relocation that could drastically change the landscape of college athletics.

Miami's executive committee will eventually vote on whether to join the ACC, but university officials don't expect it before the site visit.

Columbia Senator Warren Giese says the league's move to add Miami, Syracuse and Boston College appears to be a grab for television money. Giese was head football coach at the University of South Carolina from 1956 to 1960.

The Republican says the three new schools would add unnecessary time and travel for teams and fans.

Others at the Statehouse are more worried about how the new schools would impact the bottom line: how Clemson does on the football field. Pickens Senator Larry Martin, a Tiger graduate and fan, says can't see how adding Miami will help Clemson's wins and losses.

updated 8:34am by Chris Rees