# Academics ![academics](/sites/g/files/omnuum3581/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/mather/files/masthead5.jpg?itok=uM4rBB0-) There are a number of standard and exceptional situations when students need to meet with their Resident Dean about academic issues or obtain the dean's signature, including: - Enrolling in six or more courses in a term - Changing concentrations - Completing [secondary fields](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~secfield/) or [foreign language citations](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~advising/docs/language_citations.pdf) - Considering a [Joint Concentration](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~advising/concentrations/JointConcentrations.html) or [Special Concentration](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~advising/concentrations/SpecialConc.html) - Pursuing an [Independent Study](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~advising/docs/Ind_Stdy.pdf) - Activating or rescinding [Advanced Standing](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~advising/advanced) - Exploring [Study Aboard opportunities](http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~oip/) - [Applying for internships with credit expectations](http://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/job-internship-search) - Requesting accommodations due to emergencies or other situations - Taking time off from Harvard The Resident Dean is also available for general academic advising and happy to connect you with resources from workshops for study skills, courses you can relate to your study abroad experiences, and reference libraries for your thesis research. To schedule a meeting with the Resident Dean email .