The California Postsecondary Education Commission's purpose is integrating fiscal, programmatic, and policy analysis across the various systems of higher education. With a citizen board appointed by multiple entities, the Commission provides independent, nonpartisan analysis and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The Commission is a consistent advocate for higher education but also an informed and independent critic of it. Although the Commission seeks to find consensus among all parties before providing advice to the Governor and Legislature, as an independent entity it can and does reach conclusions and provide advice on issues even when consensus is not attained.