SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) _ The University of Notre Dame is expanding its observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The South Bend Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1NyOxmy) students were sent an email from the Rev. John I. Jenkins, university president, telling them classes and all other campus activities will be canceled on Monday, Jan. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to encourage participation in campus events related to the holiday.

Although Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, Notre Dame does not dismiss classes for the day. Students also attend classes on Labor Day.

The MLK Day campus events will include a candlelit prayer service and march; a luncheon and program for students and employees at the Joyce Center, and a celebration Mass at Sacred Heart Basilica on campus.