First the background: I work for a small museum at a small college which is part
 of a
larger state system.  The college is in the midst of re-accreditation
and will be looking at how the museum fits into the 'big picture'.
(A much larger sister university just  closed  its much older, much bigger museu
m).  We are presently part of
We are currently part of institutional advancement, with the bulk of our funding
 provided by the college foundation.  I have a non-teaching faculty appointment
 ( as well as a term by term teaching appointment).
Now the question:  Where do other college/university museums fit into
the structure of their schools.  Are you part of an academic
department? part of the provost's office? ( as our library is), or
what?  I would like to have some models -  successful or
unsuccessful- to help me present a feasible suggestion to the president when she
asks me to.  Any help you can provide will be appreciated.  thanks in
advance.

Mariana