---
url: 'https://catholiciu.edu/how-to-engage-students-in-the-online-space-insights-from-maritza-mejias-presentation-at-the-national-student-success-conference/'
title: How to Engage Students in the Online Space – Insights from Maritza Mejia’s Presentation at the National Student Success Conference
author:
  name: Emery Long
  url: 'https://catholiciu.edu/author/catholic-international-university-author/'
date: '2025-03-14T17:54:34+00:00'
modified: '2025-03-14T18:21:14+00:00'
type: post
categories:
  - Uncategorized
published: true
---

# How to Engage Students in the Online Space – Insights from Maritza Mejia’s Presentation at the National Student Success Conference

At Catholic International University, fostering a **vibrant and engaging online learning environment** is a top priority. This commitment was highlighted at the **2025 National Student Success Conference**, where our **Academic Advisor and Student Life Manager for Spanish Programs, Maritza Mejia**, presented on innovative strategies to enhance student engagement in online co-curricular activities.

Her presentation explored how **Catholic International** applies the **Community of Inquiry Model** to strengthen **cognitive, social, and teaching presence** in a diverse online setting. A key challenge identified was the difficulty of increasing student participation in activities outside of coursework.

#### **The Challenge: Communication in the Digital Space**

While surveys indicated that **86% of students preferred email communication**, data revealed a surprising trend—students engaged **25% more** when messages were delivered through the **Learning and Student Management Systems** rather than email.

To address this, CatholicIU’s **Student Life and Online Library** teams developed a dynamic **“communication mixology”** approach to keep students informed and engaged:

📌 **Canvas Learning Management System (LMS):** Events and reminders are posted in the announcements, calendar, and inbox messaging system.

📌 **Populi Student Management System (SMS):** Activities appear in announcements, the activity feed, and calendar, with an option for text message notifications.

📌 **Pronto (Canvas Add-On):** This **closed social media platform** serves as a hub for daily interactions, allowing students to receive **immediate answers** and fostering a sense of community.

#### **A Model for the Future of Online Student Engagement**

By **meeting students where they are most active**, Catholic International has successfully **bridged the communication gap**, encouraging greater involvement in virtual study halls, office hours, and co-curricular events.

Maritza Mejia’s insights provide a **valuable roadmap** for universities seeking to enhance online student engagement. For a deeper dive into her findings, watch her **poster presentation here:**[ ](https://youtu.be/WUmB_3-FJnI?si=2n6SGa0EGIE-tpe7)[https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=2n6SGa0EGIE-tpe7&v=WUmB_3-FJnI&feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=2n6SGa0EGIE-tpe7&v=WUmB_3-FJnI&feature=youtu.be) 

![PosterPresenting feb. 24 25 Mejia](https://catholiciu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PosterPresenting_feb.-24-25-Mejia-771x1024.jpg)