-	Increasing number of student enrolment in the Arabic classes.

Fall 2013:      ARAB 101 =33 students
                      ARAB 202 =14 students
Spring 2014: ARAB 102 = 28 students
                      ARAB 202 = 15

-	Proficiency in Arabic cant be established without a clear plan that requires at least 3 years of studying Arabic.
-	The desire to continue studying Arabic for three years to get a minor in Arabic studies as expressed by current students. (surveys)

-	Minors of Arabic Studies are offered by ALL Big Ten universities except for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

-	The suggested long list of classes related to Arabic and Islamic culture that can count towards the Minor give students an appealing variety of options to choose from.