If the thesis was defended prior to academic year 2025-2026 and the program followed the thesis defense process using a very similar form, that form can be uploaded according to the process described here and the program and fellow can attest to the satisfactory completion of this requirement via their portal.

If the program thesis defense process differed substantially from the process described here, the program director will send a letter to fellowship@abog.org describing the process and attaching the program thesis assessment form that was used. ABOG will review these materials and notify the program whether this is approved. Once approved, the program and fellow can attest to the satisfactory completion of this requirement via their portal.

If the program did not have a defense process at all, the program will need to follow the new defense process prior to the due date in 2026.

Thesis Process Change FAQs

What is the purpose of the structured thesis defense process for programs to implement?

What is the purpose of the Thesis Defense Form?

When does the new process take effect?

What if the fellow graduated in 2025 or earlier?

Where can I find the Thesis Defense Form?

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In the new process, if the fellow wishes to change the thesis topic, is ABOG approval needed?

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What if the thesis was defended before the new process?

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What happens if the thesis defense takes place after June 15th of the final year of fellowship?

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How is the Thesis Defense Form submitted?

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What happens if the thesis defense was not successful?

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What happens if a fellow never defends their thesis?

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Are there instructions for this process?

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Need Assistance?

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Where can I find the Thesis Defense Form?

In the new process, if the fellow wishes to change the thesis topic, is ABOG approval needed?

What if the thesis was defended before the new process?

What happens if the thesis defense takes place after June 15th of the final year of fellowship?

How is the Thesis Defense Form submitted?

What happens if the thesis defense was not successful?

What happens if a fellow never defends their thesis?

Are there instructions for this process?

Need Assistance?