Donna Shalala ready for debut as University of Miami president.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

MIAMI _ University of Miami President Donna Shalala didn't want to have an inauguration _ the pomp-laden ceremony where a university leader is formally introduced to the campus.

But with UM celebrating its 75th anniversary, most on campus wanted a ceremony that could tie into the campus birthday celebration and homecoming.

So Shalala relented _ but not before she set two ground rules for her official debut on Friday: It has to be a brief event and it has to be inclusive.

"I said it had to be short and include everyone, all the students, faculty, staff, the community," Shalala said.

Students were dispatched to hand-deliver invitations to homes that surround the university, and a campuswide celebration will follow the traditional investiture ceremony on Friday.

"This is a good way to combine all those things," Shalala said. "I think it was more of a matter of style."

The event also serves as a kick-off for UM's homecoming weekend, which culminates on Saturday with the football game against Temple University.