Purdue eyes trimester calendar for quicker degrees

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Purdue University is planning to announce what it calls a "balanced trimester plan" that it says will bring a "significant change in how higher education is delivered in Indiana."

Purdue President France Cordova and Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers are scheduled to discuss details of the trimester plan at a news conference Wednesday morning in Indianapolis.

Purdue says in an announcement of the news conference that the trimester plan will "move students more quickly toward graduation" and allow some the chance to earn a four-year degree in three years. It says the plan also will increase opportunities for internships and study abroad programs.

Purdue says a trimester approach also would make better use of university facilities and might offer faculty more flexibility in course offerings.