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://www.youtube.com/watch?si=2n6SGa0EGIE-tpe7&v=WUmB_3-FJnI&feature=youtu.be
