State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

In this episode, we are kicking off the 2025-2026 academic year with a discussion with SDSU Chief Wellness Officer Shari Landmark about the activities at the Miller Wellness Center. From addressing sleep and anxiety to promoting resilience, recreation, and community connection, the conversation offers practical insights for both students and faculty as they navigate the academic year.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the roles and services provided by the Miller Wellness Center, Student Health Clinic, and Counseling Center.
2. Identify the eight dimensions of wellness used in SDSU’s wellbeing model.
3. Recognize common challenges students face (e.g., sleep difficulties, anxiety, academic stress, roommate conflicts) and the resources available to address them.
 
Processing Questions:
1. How do you see physical wellness connecting to your overall wellbeing?
2. Which wellbeing dimension do you feel most confident about in your own life and why?
3. What does resilience mean to you in the context of college life?

In this episode of the "State of Well-Being" podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), engages in a meaningful conversation with Brenna Rubendall-LaVoy, Professional Academic Advisor, and True Thorne, Trio Upward Bound and Student Support Services Academic Coordinator. The focus of their discussion is on the unique experiences and challenges faced by first generation college students at SDSU.
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify common challenges faced by first generation college students, such as financial difficulties, balancing school and personal life, and understanding the hidden curriculum of higher education.
2. Discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges, including seeking support from advisors and utilizing campus resources.
3. Reflect on the importance of building connections and community for first generation college students. How do support services like Trio and the First Year Advising Center facilitate these connections?
4. Discuss the significance of developing strong study skills, time management, and critical thinking abilities for academic success.
 
Processing Questions:
1. Consider the common challenges faced by first generation college students. How do these challenges compare to your own experiences?
2. What resources and programs are available at SDSU to help you enhance your academic skills, such as success advising, tutoring, and accountability groups?
3. How can you actively participate in community-building activities and workshops to foster a sense of belonging and support?
4. Consider how faculty and staff can support first generation college students by sharing their own experiences and creating an inclusive classroom environment. What steps can faculty take to create a more supportive and engaging learning environment for all students?

In this episode of the "State of Well-Being" podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), sits down with Janell Davis, Coordinator of Testing Services, and Val Smith, Testing Center Operations Manager. Together, they explore the vital role of the SDSU Testing Center in supporting student success.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the primary functions and services provided by the SDSU Testing Center.
2. Explain the importance of the Testing Center in supporting student success and wellbeing.
3. Discuss strategies for advocating for oneself and resolving misunderstandings with faculty.
4. Reflect on the impact of test anxiety on student performance and well-being.
 
Processing Questions:
1. Reflect on the primary functions and services provided by the SDSU Testing Center. How do these services support academic success?
2. What strategies can you use to advocate for yourself and resolve misunderstandings with faculty?
3. Reflect on the impact of test anxiety on your performance and well-being. What are some strategies to reduce test anxiety and its impact?
 

This week, we continue our series on the Opportunity Center Student Success NETwork through a conversation with the Office of Disability Services. The discussion focuses on student accommodations and the role that the Office of Disabiility Services plays in ensuring access for students with disabilities at SDSU.
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe the responsibilities of the Office of Disability Services in providing student accommodations at SDSU.
2. Discuss the types of accommodations commonly provided and identify the steps involved in obtaining accommodations.
3. Analyze common frustrations faced by students with disabilities and how the office listens and supports them in overcoming these challenges.
 
Processing Questions:
1. Reflect on the responsibilities of the Office of Disability Services in providing student accommodations. How do these services support the varied needs of students with disabilities?
2. Discuss how faculty and staff can support students with disabilities. How have faculty members impacted your academic journey?
3. How can accommodations alleviate stress and improve students' overall well-being?

In this episode of the "State of Well-Being" podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), engages in a thoughtful conversation with Teresa Seefeldt, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at SDSU. The focus of their discussion is the transfer student population and how the Student Success Network supports these students as they transition to SDSU.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the key points of contact for transfer students, including the admissions team and the registrar's office.
2. Identify the resources and support services available to transfer students through the Student Success Network.
3. Discuss how transfer students can find their place and build a support network within the university community.
 
Processing Questions:
1. The podcast discussed academic and social challenges that transfer students may encounter. How do these challenges compare to your own experiences as a student?
2. Consider the role of faculty and staff in supporting transfer students. How have faculty members impacted your academic journey?
3. Reflect on the significance of student engagement and involvement in campus activities and organizations. How can getting involved enhance your sense of belonging at SDSU?

In this episode of the State of Wellbeing podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), sits down with Kirsten Linke, the Director of International Students and Scholars at SDSU. Together, they explore the vital role of the Office of International Affairs in supporting the international student population at SDSU. She also highlights the various study abroad programs available, such as short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long programs, and the unique Jacks Start Abroad program for incoming freshmen.
 
Learning Outcomes: 
1. Describe the mission and services provided by the Office of International Affairs at SDSU.
2. Identify common challenges faced by international students, such as homesickness and navigating campus resources.
3. Outline ways in which faculty and staff can engage with and support international students and scholars.
 
Processing Questions:
1. Consider the various study abroad programs mentioned, such as short-term faculty-led trips and the Jack Start Abroad program. How do these opportunities contribute to a student's personal and academic growth?
2. Reflect on the importance of connecting international students to the SDSU and Brookings community. How do cultural events and campus partnerships facilitate this connection?
3. What support systems have been most effective for you in overcoming academic or personal challenges?

Join Caitlin Walters, the wellbeing specialist at South Dakota State University, and Bruce Johnson, faculty in the Ness School of Management and Economics, in this episode of "State of Wellbeing." This episode is part of a financial literacy and wellness series, focusing on the practical aspects of managing shared expenses and resolving conflicts with roommates.
Learning Objectives:
1. Listeners will be able to identify two resources for tracking shared expenses with their roommates.
2. Listeners will be able to identify two tips for improving communication when it comes to expenses.
Processing Questions:
1. How can you navigate conflict and difficult conversations with a roommate about shared expenses?
2. What is one tool you can use to track shared expenses?

Our financial wellness series continues this week with a discussion on bill payments with Axton Betz-Hamilton from the Ness School of Management and Economics. Dr. Betz-Hamilton discusses the types of bills students and graduates can expect and the consequences of falling beyond in your bills.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Listeners will be able to differentiate between fixed bills and variable bills.
2. Listeners will be able to identify two resources to support people who are struggling to pay a bill on time.
Processing Questions:
1. What are two suggestions discussed to manage bill payments?
2. What are two things that can happen if you fail to pay your bills on time?

With commencement just around the corner, you may be thinking about how to manage your finances as you transition from college to career. In this episode, Lorna Saboe Wounded Head from SDSU Extension discusses budgeting for life after college.
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Listeners will be able to identify two resources to help them keep track of their budget after college.
2. Listeners will be able to identify two habits to avoid when it comes to financial responsibility.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What are two habits students should keep an eye out for when it comes to managing their finances?
2. What are two resources available to help track money and balance spending?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters and guest Lisa Marotz, the Director of McCrory Gardens, explore the concept of Environmental Wellness and share practical ways students, faculty, and staff can enhance it in their daily lives. They highlight the benefits of spending time in nature and discuss how caring for our personal spaces can contribute to a healthier environment overall. 
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Define environmental wellness.
2. Identify two ways to practice mindfulness in nature.
3. Identify two benefits of time spent outside.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What is environmental wellness, and how do you define it?
2. What are two ways you can improve your own environmental wellness using tools and resources in the Brookings area?