A group of some of Trinity College Dublin's most senior academics have put together a document outlining alternatives to key elements of the restructuring plans proposed by the Provost, Dr John Hegarty.
The group plans to present them at a major meeting of the college community later this month, The Irish Times has learnt.
The meeting is to include representatives of the college's fellows, scholars, academic staff association and the student union.
The proposals, which are to be presented to Dr Hegarty later today, are seen by some as offering a possible alternative to those being considered by the college.
However, members of the group are understood to be anxious to stress that they should be seen as variations on the original proposals, and as part of the continuing consultation process at the college.
Among the nine fellows understood to be supporting the new proposals are Prof John Scattergood of the English department, Prof Barbara Wright of the French department, Prof David McConnell of the genetics department (who is also chairman of The Irish Times Trust), and Prof Terence Brown of the English department.
The group has been concerned that central elements of the current restructuring plans do not enjoy widespread support within the college. It believes its proposals may be more acceptable.
The document focuses on a number of key areas of Dr Hegarty's plan which could be amended. These include the proposed creation of so-called mega-faculties, the merger of departments into larger schools, and plans for faculty deans and departmental heads to be selected rather than elected. It is believed to recommend a faculty rather than a school-based approach, greater leeway for individual faculties to decide what system suits them, and an enhanced role for faculty deans.
But it is also expected to broadly favour other elements of the Provost's proposals, including the suggestion that power should be devolved from the centre of the college.
The original plans envisaged a major reduction in the number of academic departments and a halving of faculties from six to three. Dr Hegarty has stressed that his restructuring plans are subject to a consultation process and that he would consider new proposals.
The move was a "significant and interesting" development, said Mr Francis Kieran, president of TCD's student union. The union would be "happy to look at any new proposals and consider them fully".
Senior lecturer Prof John Murray said the college authorities welcomed "any and all contributions to the debate".