The EEOC is composed of five commissioners and a general counsel appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners are appointed for five-year staggered terms; the general counsel’s term is four years. The president designates a chair and a vice-chair. The chair is the chief executive officer of the commission. The commission has authority to establish equal employment policy and to approve litigation. The general counsel is responsible for conducting litigation. The EEOC also has 50 field offices located across the nation.