The 4th Annual Drexel Assessment Conference entitled "Facilitating Conversations that Matter" consisted of three days of thematically connected activities as five (5) pre-conference workshops scheduled for Wednesday morning, September 13th, 55 interactive sessions, 2 snapshot (5 minute speed) session blocks and three plenaries by accomplished speakers of national and international reputation. Also included was a Thursday luncheon and a special panel discussion featuring the presidents of three regional accrediting bodies; the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This was a rare opportunity for participants to engage in a dialogue with three regional accreditation leaders on the future of peer review and the increased federal role among other issues.

This year, the Thursday evening reception was held at the Pyramid Club on the 52nd floor of the Mellon Bank Building in downtown Philadelphia, with entertainment being provided by the Aqua String Band of the famous Philadelphia Mummers. Additionally, a Wednesday Ice Cream Social was held near Drexel’s seven-story living bio wall in the Papadakis Integrated Science Building along with an optionally priced evening at the ballpark to see the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Florida Marlins. Also new for 2017 is a virtual conference book, or Proceedings of the Conference, which is a compendium, comprised of chapters submitted by session presenters, which were refereed by a conference publication panel for selection and publication

The 5th Annual Drexel Assessment Conference will take place on September 12-14, 2018