I’m sure each administrative subgroup would have some semi-plausible justification for its existence and need to expand its budget and turf. For example, I expect that admissions would say that they are seeking a geographically balanced class, including internationals, which requires travel and outreach. Pomona is among the schools that are recognized for doing significant outreach to low income students. But then you read about the expansion of the IT department and that’s not directly related to rankings. I think part of the point is that the administration inexorably expands as much as the budget permits, and that college presidents and boards of trustees don’t restrain the administration.