Shared governance with the Academic Senate is one of the distinctive features of the University of California.  The system of shared governance gives University faculty, operating through the Academic Senate, a voice in the operation of the University. In addition, it imposes on faculty a measure of responsibility for the manner in which the University operates. Faculty participation in governance of the University through the agency of the Academic Senate is a guiding force that unifies the ten campuses of the University into a single system under a uniform standard of excellence (from shared Governance in the University of California, an Overview, D. Simmons). Under “shared governance,” the faculty are responsible for setting admissions criteria, authorizing and supervising all curricula and academic programs, advising on faculty appointments and promotions, and advising the administration on budget and financial planning. The administration is responsible for hiring, promotions, firing, overseeing infrastructure, financial issues, budgets, spending and accountability.