State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Teresa Seefeldt is joined by Malynda Mabbitt from Instructional Design Services to explore how community and belonging can be intentionally built in online courses. As online learning continues to grow, creating meaningful connections between students, instructors, and the university is more important than ever. Together, they discuss why community is a critical component of student success and share practical strategies faculty can use to foster connection in virtual learning environments—from course organization and thoughtful assessment design to the effective use of video, group work, and instructor presence. The conversation also highlights what students can do to stay engaged, manage their wellbeing, and take advantage of campus resources, even at a distance.
 
 

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Teresa Seefeldt is joined by Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director of the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University, for a conversation on the importance of building community in the classroom. Together, they explore how relationships, belonging, and authentic connections between faculty and students support student learning, wellbeing, motivation, and success.
Kevin shares practical and accessible strategies faculty can use to foster community in courses of all sizes and formats—from learning student names and greeting students before class to using icebreakers, encouraging peer interaction, and creating opportunities for students to connect course content to their own lives. The discussion also highlights the importance of authenticity, student-centered teaching, and creating learning environments where students feel supported, valued, and motivated to engage.
Whether you teach online, in-person, or hybrid courses, this episode offers thoughtful insights and actionable ideas for creating classrooms where students want to be, learn, and thrive.

In this episode, nurse practitioner April Schneider joins State of Wellbeing to discuss practical strategies for staying safe and healthy during the summer months. The episode explores the warning signs and prevention of heat-related illnesses, sun safety, environmental risks, and severe weather. The discussion offers simple, actionable guidance to help students and community members enjoy summer activities while prioritizing their wellbeing.
Processing Questions:
1. What are some different types of heat related illnesses?
2. What are some ways that you can protect yourself from tick or mosquito bites? 

Graduation is often seen as a moment when everything is supposed to fall into place—but for many students, it’s a time filled with uncertainty, pressure, and mixed emotions. In this episode, SDSU students share honest, relatable conversations about navigating stress, comparison, and the transition from college to “what’s next.” Whether you’re graduating, supporting a student, or simply navigating change, this episode is a reminder that growth often happens in the unknown—and you’re not alone in the journey.
 
Learning Outcomes:
After listening to this episode, you should be able to:
1. Identify common sources of stress and mixed emotions associated with the transition from college to post-graduation life.
2. Recognize the impact of comparison on perceptions of success and readiness.
3. Describe how uncertainty and change can contribute to personal growth during major life transitions.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What is one unexpected stress that you are currently experiencing as we near the end of the semester?
2. What is one goal or habit you want to create for the rest of your college career?

April is Financial Literacy Month. University Wellbeing celebrated the month by hosting Level Up Your Money: A College Financial Panel on April 15, 2026. This week's episode is a recording of this panel discussion. Join our panelists, Beth Vollan from financial aid, Bruce Johnson from the Ness School of Management and Economics, Kevin Fullerton from career development, and Autumn Garr from the counseling center, to learn how students can better understand the financial decisions they face during college and beyond.
 
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of listening to this podcast, listeners should be able to:
1. Identify common financial challenges faced by college students and explain how budgeting habits influence short- and long-term financial wellbeing.
2. Evaluate borrowing decisions by connecting loan amounts and repayment options to realistic income expectations and anticipated post-graduation expenses.
3. Explain how early financial behaviors, such as making small loan payments while in college or saving incrementally, can reduce future financial stress and debt burden.
 
Processing Questions
1. After listening to this episode, what is one financial habit you realize that may want to change or pay more attention to?
2. How comfortable do you currently feel asking questions about money, loans, or financial decisions? What influences that comfort level?
3. What strategies from the episode could help you tell the difference between needs, wants, and impulse purchases?
4. The panel described loans as a tool rather than something inherently "good" or "bad". How does this perspective affect how you view student debt?
5. What does financial confidence mean to you, and how does it connect to your overall wellbeing?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters sits down with campus counselor Julia Walker to take a deeper dive into social anxiety—what it is, how it differs from generalized anxiety, and why it can be especially challenging in college settings. They explore common signs and symptoms, the impact of technology and social media, and practical, evidence‑based strategies for managing anxiety in social situations.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Define social anxiety and identify common signs and symptoms associated with it.
2. Explain why social anxiety can be particularly challenging in college and early adulthood settings.
3. Identify practical, evidence-informed strategies for managing social anxiety in social and academic situations.
4. Identify campus counseling resources available to support students experiencing social anxiety.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What are some of the physical signs and symptoms of social anxiety?
2. What are two tips for reducing social anxiety in social settings?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlyn Walters is joined by Mariah, Director of Recreation and Fitness at the Miller Wellness Center, and Mya, a graduate student and student-athlete in SDSU’s Nutrition and Dietetics program, to explore the power of nutrition and its impact on overall wellbeing. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, the conversation focuses on how food fuels not just academic and athletic performance, but also mood, focus, and emotional regulation. Together, they unpack common nutrition myths, including misconceptions around carbohydrates, protein, detoxes, and supplements, while emphasizing a balanced, food‑first approach to fueling the body.
 
 
Learning Objectives
After listening to this episode, listeners should be able to:
1. Identify common nutrition and health myths and apply evidence-based perspectives to challenge misinformation.
2. Apply principles of body respect by shifting focus from appearance to function, strength, and self-care.
3. Describe how nutrition supports energy, mood, and academic and physical performance.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What are two compliments you can think of that don't relate to weight loss?
2. What are two common myths you have heard about health or nutrition?
3. What is one key takeaway from this episode that challenged how you think about nutrition and body image, and how might you apply it in your own daily life?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters, Wellbeing Specialist at South Dakota State University, is joined by Alexis Truskolawski, Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor, for an open and informative conversation about alcohol, alcohol harm reduction, and campus support resources. Together, they explore the work of ADAPT (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Prevention Team) and discuss common misconceptions about college drinking culture, the short- and long-term impacts of alcohol on physical, mental, and academic wellbeing, and the real financial and personal costs that can come with drinking. Listeners will also learn about alcohol-free alternatives on campus and resources available for students who may be concerned about their own or a friend’s alcohol use.
 
Learning Objectives:
After listening to this podcast episode, listeners should be able to:
1. Describe key impacts of alcohol use on physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep, and academic performance.
2. Apply practical harm reduction strategies to reduce risks related to alcohol use.
3. Identify campus resources and support options for themselves or others related to alcohol and wellbeing.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What are two harm reduction strategies that can be used to limit or reduce drinking harms?
2. What are two costs related to drinking/consuming alcohol? 
 

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters, wellbeing specialist at South Dakota State University, is joined by Julia Walker, counselor at the SDSU Counseling Center, to discuss Thrive in the Classroom: A Toolkit for Empowering Faculty to Nurture Healthy Learning Spaces. The toolkit is a resource that helps faculty create healthier learning environments and includes classroom activities, crisis response tools, information about campus resources, and podcast-based assignments.

This episode of State of Well-Being highlights the many benefits and opportunities available through the Miller Wellness Center at South Dakota State University, with a focus on membership, programming, and community engagement. Host Caitlin Walters is joined by Kevin, the Member Services Coordinator, who shares insights into how the facility serves not only students but also faculty, staff, and the broader community.
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify key features and amenities offered by the Miller Wellness Center.
2. Explain the different membership options and access points for faculty, staff, and community members.
3. Discuss how participation in wellness activities can support work-life balance and holistic well-being.
 
Processing Questions
1. Which amenities or programs mentioned in the episode are most appealing to you and why?
2. In what ways can faculty and staff serve as roles models for student well-being? How might that influence campus culture?
3. How could you incorporate one new wellness activity or habit into your routine based on what you heard in this episode?