The University of Newcastle's council will meet on Friday following a week of high drama surrounding the appointment of Mark Vaile as the institution's new chancellor.
The 16-member council will be one member short following the resignation of Professor Jennifer Martin in protest at Mr Vaile's appointment.
Mr Vaile, who is the chairman of Whitehaven Coal, will take over as chancellor on July 1.
Professor Martin believes Mr Vaile's appointment was inconsistent with the university's strategic focus on sustainability and clean energy.
She said she felt she was left with no option other than to resign after the institution issued a statement saying council members "unanimously" supported the appointment.
"In some way I felt pressured to this outcome," Professor Martin, who is chair of clinical pharmacology in the university's School of Medicine and Public Health, said.
"The council members who had misgivings were not given an opportunity to manifest those during the selection process."
The Newcastle Herald understands several other council members share Professor Martin's concerns.
Mr Vaile said he was completely committed to the university's strategic plan.
The council, as the university's ultimate governing body, usually meets monthly.
There are also a number of standing of the council which oversee issues including controlled and associated entities, finance, people and culture and risk.
