According to U.S. News, Harvard ranks second among national universities and first among global universities, while Oxford ranks first among the best global universities in Europe and fifth among the best global universities. Each college operates independently and has a charter approved by the Privy Council. A Head of House is elected and appointed by the governing body directly, which consists of several Fellows, most of whom also hold university posts. The three societies, Kellogg College, Reuben College, and St. Cross College, function similarly to the other colleges but are considered departments of the university rather than independent colleges. This is because they do not have a royal charter. One key difference is that the governing body recommends a president, who is then appointed by the Council.