The academic council at UCC has voiced concern about a decision to give the college president, Prof Gerry Wrixon, an extended tenure.
The council strongly backed a motion expressing concern about the governing body's decision to extend the term of Prof Wrixon without consultation with the council.
The council, made up of about 175 members, has an advisory role in college affairs but it does not decide policy. Despite the vote, Prof Wrixon (63) is set to formally accept the extended five-year term when the governing body meets on February 11th next.
Prof Wrixon is a controversial figure who is credited by some within the college as the driving force behind its success. However, his leadership and his pro-business approach is opposed by a significant group of academics.
They complain about lack of consultation on key priorities. The clash between the pro- and anti- Wrixon camp is widely seen as a battle for the heart of the college. Those close to Prof Wrixon say it is a battle between "modernisers" and "traditionalists".
Last night, one anti-Wrixon figure rejected reports that the governing body had obtained legal advice before granting the extension.
Eight senior professors have criticised the extension. This, they maintain, runs counter to the Universities Act which allows a president to hold office for 10 years, but not if he reaches the age of 65 first.
There is now increasing speculation that the Wrixon issue may yet be fought out in the courts.
In a statement yesterday, Prof Wrixon said the academic council had not commented on what he termed "the substantive issue" of his contract. He said the council "recorded its regret that governing body made its decision without consulting with academic council".
Prof Wrixon said he received considerable support from members of the council during the discussion.
He said: "I feel UCC can continue to build on its success notwithstanding the difficult financial challenges we are likely to encounter in the short to medium-term. I am committed to accomplishing this and I would like to do so with your support."
One anti-Wrixon figure said yesterday: "This matter is not over by a long way. This is not about supporters of any ancien regime or some reactionary faction of fogies. It is about the need for openness and collegiality, the democratic management of change, and an atmosphere which incentivises innovation while protecting the university's core values."