The Spanish department announced Tuesday that it is imposing a moratorium on declaring Spanish minors for the next two years. The decision was made in a "desperate attempt to protect [Spanish] majors as much as possible," said Gustavo Pellon, director of Spanish undergraduate studies.\nThe Spanish department does not have enough faculty to meet student demand for classes, Pellon said, noting that the problem has plagued the department and former University administrations for more than two decades.\nSeveral students, including those outside of the College, want to register for Spanish classes. The department tries to be as organized as possible to accommodate students majoring in Spanish, he said, adding that it was one of the first departments to use waiting lists with the former ISIS registration system.\nBut the problem has increased to the point that it is difficult for majors to register for the classes they need to graduate, Pellon said. Instituting the moratorium will allow majors to have priority in registering for Spanish classes, he maintained.\n"We are very fond of our minor program and we consider it part of our mission," Pellon said, "but no one needs a minor to graduate."\nHe added that the cause of the problem - a dearth of faculty members - is not a solvable crisis at this time.\nThird-year Commerce student Sydney Davis, who declared a Spanish minor in spring of 2009, said she did not agree with the decision, but understood it since the department does not have sufficient resources.\n"I think it takes away the opportunity for people who have an extensive course load to major in Spanish or someone like me who doesn't have space to double major but needs it for my future career path," Davis said.\nDepartment Chair Mar
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