Cost was one factor in scheduling the inauguration, Nevin said. Some of the money would have been spent anyway on activities for Homecoming and Diversity Week.

Such weeklong inaugural celebrations aren't rare at public universities, said Susan Chilcott, spokeswoman for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

"Schools use it as an opportunity to bring attention to the campus, not necessarily just the inauguration of the president," she said.

Events at WVU during the week include presentations of student research, guest speakers and a forum for faculty, staff and students to discuss the university.

"A lot of these events are tied in with the coming home theme," Nevin said. "President Garrison wants to get out there and talk to as many people as he can."

Some other large public universities with new presidents this fall have taken slightly more low-key approaches to the inaugural festivities.

At the University of Iowa, President Sally Mason, who started in August, marked her inauguration with a small reception at a performing arts center on campus, spokesman Steve Pradarelli said.

"In light of the budget situation in general, I don't think she was interested in a lavish ceremony," he said.

The Ohio State University and the University of Connecticut both have new presidents, but neither has immediate plans for an inaugural ceremony, according to officials at both schools.

Michael Hogan, the new president of UConn, may have a celebration next year, spokeswoman Karen Grava said.

"The decisions about inaugurations are up to the president," she said. "Usually there's a little ceremony, something similar to commencement."

On the Net: http://inauguration.wvu.edu/

--Associated Press