They say University President Mary Sue Coleman doesn't really live in the campus landmark that is her residence at 815 S. University Ave.

Well, she does.

Yesterday afternoon, Coleman welcomed students into her home for her annual open house. Lured by the promise of donuts, cookies, apple cider and the opportunity to meet Coleman, hundreds of students dropped by to visit.

Coleman, dressed in a black, stood by her back door, shaking hands and asking students about their experiences at the University. At any given time, more than two dozen students waited in line to speak with her.

Some students took the opportunity to voice complaints and concerns.

Business School sophomore Bhavika Megchiani asked Coleman why the University only grants 15 days for winter break, half of what many schools offer. Megchiani, who lives in the United Arab Emirates, said she's sad to return to the University after such a short time at home for winter break.

Not in the mood to argue, Coleman answered Megchiani's questions in a friendly, passive fashion.

"I think it would be hard to change the schedule," Coleman said to Megchiani. "The faculty really likes it." After a pause, the president invited Megchiani to "go get some goodies."

Although some students took the open house as an opportunity to voice serious concerns, others had more light-hearted questions. Coleman found herself responding to the perennial myths about the University. No, the University's underground tunnels do not connect to her house, she said. She's not leaving to become Harvard's president, she told several visitors. And yes, she lives in the house, she told another.

At first glance, it would be easy to assume Coleman doesn't live there. The ground floor, though elegantly decorated, lacks a personal touch. Visitors couldn't look at the second floor and basement, areas cordoned off with velvet museum-like ropes. But stepping into Coleman's study was enough to make visitors realize she actually spends her time there.

Unlike the rest of the stately ground floor, which is filled with chandeliers, modern art and 6-foot-tall vases, Coleman's study is an academic's haven. Its bookcases hold hundreds of volumes on Central America - her husband Kenneth's expertise - with a few science journals - the president is an accomplished biochemist - thrown in for good measure. The Colemans display Latin American trinkets and sculptures on the shelves, making the cozy study an odd fit among the house's high ceilings and sophisticated d