IOWA CITY (AP) - The University of Iowa plans to offer late-night courses that officials hope will help thwart underage and binge drinking.

The university has reduced the number of Friday classes over the years in response to research that shows Friday classes cut down on binge drinking on Thursday nights. Now officials also hope that offering later classes - beginning at 10 p.m. and lasting until 1:30 a.m. or even 2 a.m. - will keep students away from alcohol.

Wayne Fett, senior associate director of the university's division of recreational services, is part of a group created by interim Provost Lola Lopes responsible for finding alternatives to alcohol for students. Among their efforts includes for-credit recreation courses.

Fett said 40 spots recently filled up fast for a late-night ballroom dancing class that will meet Thursdays and Saturdays. Another class likely to launch in May is dubbed "O.W.L.S." or the outdoor weekend late-night series, where students will do activities like canoeing and hiking.

"It seems to be that when we put together a curriculum, and have the right instructors, it is amazing to me not that students sign up, but how much fun students have," Fett said.

Other late-night options the university is considering include volunteer programs and partnering with local businesses to host events, said UI Vice Provost Tom Rocklin.

Rocklin said though there will be costs involved with the activities, the aim is to offer options that cost less than drinking.

The university will work with student groups to get ideas on what activities they would like to see. That could include more late-night comedy and musical acts or competitions like video game tournaments, Rocklin said.

"I am excited. I think we identified a lot of possibilities and by the end of the semester will be able to point to a couple things that work," he said. "If these things work out this semester, we are going to do lots more of them next semester."

Rocklin said it's important for the university to make such efforts.

"This and Friday classes should send a clear message to the community that the university is interested in doing our part to reduce binge drinking in our community," Rocklin said.