Students can be officially excused from classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15 this year.

To obtain an excuse, students will have to talk to their professors a week in advance and explain why they are not going to be attending classes that day. The professors will mainly have to go on "good faith" said Kelly O'Brien, Undergraduate Student Government vice president.

Students are encouraged to let the instructors know that they will not be in class because of the activities and community service.

Although professors will most likely accept the excuse, if any problems arise, a list of the students that had an excuse will be given to each of the colleges.

Because many students might not even decide to join in the community service until later this week, this way of obtaining an excuse is helpful, said Undergraduate Student Government President Matt Roan.