Oxford University should cherish its distinctive democratic, collaborative and collegiate ethos, according to academics and students.
Plans by John Hood, the vice-chancellor, to revitalise the university risk losing sight of the institution's strengths, according to responses to the "green paper" on Oxford's academic strategy.
Some 145 individuals and organisations, representing colleges, departments, faculty boards, committees and the student union responded to the consultation. A summary of responses was published this week.
The proposed academic strategy followed an international benchmarking exercise by consultants McKinsey, which placed the university lower than might have been expected.
Some of the respondents suggested that Oxford should not simply seek to compare itself with North American Ivy League institutions but should expect to retain significant differences.
Many colleges also felt that their role in Oxford, and the way in which this distinguishes the university from its international competitors, was insufficiently recognised and articulated.
Last month, the ruling congregation voted against introducing performance-related pay, one of the key reforms proposed by the vice-chancellor. Dr Hood must now drop this proposal.
David Holmes, registrar, said: "There are concerns about how a contribution review system would work in practice and council will now wish to reflect on these."
Other green paper proposals were welcomed. There was general agreement that Oxford needs to improve the co-ordination of its admissions arrangements and its access-related work.
There was support for an overhaul of the agreement between the university and colleges over fundraising - at present colleges compete with one another.
Congregation will have a chance to debate the governance paper on June 28.