<P> There is a student government organizational presence on close to every community college campus in America The Student Government organization is the official voice of the student body, a vital link in effective student participation in all areas of student concern in relationship to the college's administration . By advocating student rights and services, the organization represents the student body and presents its concerns to the college administration, local, and national issues . Through the Student Government organizations the college provides students with essential leadership experience, and valuable connections with faculty, staff administration, students, and the Board of Trustees. Student involvement is usually based on criteria set by the institution; all students have the right as a student to participate in democratic process on campus . (from ASGA's entry of Bakersfield College) </P> <P> Shared governance is the set of practices under which college faculty and staff participates in significant decisions concerning the operation of their institutions . Colleges are very special types of institutions with a unique mission--the creation and dissemination of ideas . At the heart of shared governance is the belief that decision - making should be largely independent of short - term managerial and political considerations . Faculty and professional staff are in the best position to shape and implement curriculum and research policy, to select academic colleagues and judge their work; and The perspective of all front - line personnel is invaluable in making sound decisions about allocating resources, setting goals, choosing top officers and guiding student life . </P> <P> For a more detailed explanation of governance at the community college, please see the AAUP's 1966 Statement on Government of Colleges and Universities and the 1998 statement on the same topic by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges . These documents more clearly define those matters that are the responsibility of the voting faculty and those reserved to the governing body and its delegates . (From: http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/pubsres/academe/2002/JA/Feat/Luce.htm) </P> <P> In the United States, community colleges operate under a policy of "open admission ." That is, anyone with a high school diploma or GED may attend, regardless of prior academic status or college entrance exam scores . Although community colleges have an open admission policy, students have to take placement tests before enrolling at the college, due to not all courses being open admission . In California and Minnesota, students who have reached the age of 18 are not required to have completed secondary education; instead, they must simply show an "ability to benefit" from a college's educational program . Under certain circumstances, community colleges will also accept high school students or dropouts . </P>

How many junior colleges are in the united states