BOSTON -- Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford headed a delegation that arrived at Boston College on Sunday to tour the school.

Chris Cameron, a spokesman for BC athletics, said the ACC delegation was scheduled to tour school facilities and meet with academic, athletic and administrative personnel during a two-day visit.

The visit to Boston College is the second of three to Big East schools. A delegation toured Miami last week, and a group will visit Syracuse later this week.

Cameron would not say which officials other than president Rev. William Leahy would be meeting with ACC delegates, or comment on the topic of discussions.

The site visits are mandatory based on ACC bylaws, and although they are considered mere formalities, they could be critical steps in the conference's bid to lure three of the Big East's top programs.

The ACC voted May 16 to extend invitations to Miami, Boston College and Syracuse to begin formal discussions on joining the nine-team league.

Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo has previously said that if Miami leaves the Big East, the Eagles, a charter member of the league, would likely follow.

After a two-day visit to Miami that included an hourlong meeting with school president Donna Shalala, ACC officials seemed ready to offer the Hurricanes an official invitation to join the conference.

It could happen next week, but probably not before the Big East gets a chance to convince the Hurricanes to stay.