The image of University College Dublin may have been damaged by the impression that the process for electing its president was seen as a "closed shop" and "overly political", according to an internal report.
The report's main proposal - already backed by the governing body - recommends an entirely new selection procedure.
This is designed to ensure that the post attracts the best talent from Ireland and overseas.
UCD's president, Dr Art Cosgrove, is due to step down in early 2003 after a 10-year term. The favourites to succeed him include the college registrar, Dr Caroline Hussey, and the vice-president of research, Prof Frank Hegarty.
The new selection process, drawn up by a committee chaired by Senator Maurice Manning, should encourage external applications.
However, the level of annual pay (about £120,000) may discourage academics based in the US and in Britain.
Under the existing system, the UCD president is elected by the members of the governing body after a consultation process with staff.
The Manning report proposes that the next president should be nominated on the recommendation of a search and selection committee chaired by distinguished external figures.
UCD's governing body could reject whomever is nominated, but it could not appoint someone else. Instead, the whole appointment procedure would be reactivated.
The report says the existing system has stood the test of time and produced a succession of excellent presidents, such as Dr Cosgrove, who enjoy the support of staff.
However, it points to several weaknesses of the current system, including:
The system discriminates against and discourages serious external candidates.
The consultation process within the university has been shown to be meaningless.
Undue influence may be exercised by bloc-voting among some groups.
The image of the university may be damaged both at home and abroad by the impression of a closed-shop operation and by the intensive canvassing which is an inevitable component of the present system.
Under the new system, the selection committee - after some ground work by a search committee - will review all applicants, make a short-list, interview the short-listed candidates and make a final decision as to the best candidate.
The name of this candidate will then be conveyed to the governing body.
UCD has had seven presidents in its lifetime.