ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's Athens and regional campuses will cancel classes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday to coincide with President Bush's call for a national noontime observance of prayer and remembrance for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"In keeping with President Bush's declaration, we encourage the university community to reflect on and pray for the victims of these tragedies and their families," President Robert Glidden said. "It is important for our students, faculty and staff to have the opportunity to mark the occasion in their own way."

Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium will continue to provide national news broadcasts beginning at 8 a.m. Friday. Opportunities for personal reflection and meditation will be available beginning at 11 a.m. in the auditorium.

From 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Galbreath Chapel will be the site of a program of poetry and music, "A Time for Reflection." Students, faculty and staff are invited to come and go as they please during the two hours.

The campus community also can participate in "University United: A Time for Reflection" in the lobbies of Memorial Auditorium and 1804 Lounge in Baker University Center. The project will allow students, faculty and staff to share their thoughts on the tragedy in writing. The passages may later be shared with past and present members of the university community directly affected by the tragedy.

Classes will resume at 2:10 p.m.

University departments are encouraged to allow employees to participate in the noontime observances and maintain normal office schedules.