Indiana University's main campus in Bloomington will begin classes a week earlier than in previous years next fall.

The university said Tuesday the first day of classes in Bloomington will be Monday, Aug. 20. The academic calendar also
includes a new fall break Oct. 12-14 and an expanded, weeklong
Thanksgiving recess Nov. 18-25.

The Bloomington Faculty Council approved the changes in 2010.

Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Thomas Gieryn says
the longer Thanksgiving break will make it easier for students to get home for the holidays, and the fall break provides a breather during the long fall semester.

IU-Bloomington also made changes to its summer class schedule.

Students can take classes offered over three consecutive four-week
sessions, two six-week sessions, two overlapping eight-week
sessions or one 12-week session.