The University of Massachusetts is turning over a review of possible restructuring options to a statewide education panel appointed by Gov. Deval L. Patrick. The move takes a process that, just a month ago, seemed to many observers to be a fait accompli out of university leaders’ hands.

Governor Patrick, a Democrat, said in a written statement that the review would focus on collaboration between campuses, other higher-education institutions, and the private sector, and on ways to strengthen the university system’s national standing.

University officials had promised to create their own commission to consider possible governance changes in the five-campus system after critics complained they were left in the dark about a leadership shuffle, announced last month, that ousted John V. Lombardi as chancellor of the flagship campus, in Amherst. An initial proposal would have made Jack M. Wilson, president of the system, the head of the Amherst campus as well, but Mr. Wilson and others quickly backed away from that plan, saying it was merely one of several options.

Faculty members and some Amherst-area legislators had asked for a gubernatorial panel to examine potential governance changes. University officials also said they were pleased with the governor’s announcement.

The panel, which is known as the Readiness Project, will not interfere with Mr. Wilson’s ability to make personnel decisions, Governor Patrick said. The group, which is made up of college officials, public-school representatives, and business leaders, also will consider the governor’s proposals for universal pre-kindergarten and for making community college free for all high-school graduates in the state. —Karin Fischer