State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

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?

This week, we come back to our series on the Opportunity Center Student Success NETwork. Dr. Chris Larson, Noah Roerig, and Jaritza Cazares Cruz discuss how the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College and the Honors College Student Organization support student success and wellbeing at SDSU.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss how honors courses foster deeper understanding and community among students.
2. Outline the initiatives and activities designed to connect honors students with the campus and Brookings community.
3. Reflect on the challenges faced by honors students and how the Honors College addresses these challenges.
 
Processing Questions:
1. How does the Fishback Honors College contribute to the holistic development of students at SDSU?
2. Consider the role of faculty in supporting honors students. How have faculty members impacted your academic journey?
3. What types of events or activities would you like to see in your academic environment to foster engagement and well-being?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Kevin Sackreiter sits down with Cody Burggraff, Director of Student Programs at South Dakota State University, to explore the vital role of new student orientation in fostering a sense of belonging and connection on campus. They discuss the challenges new students face, from information overload to navigating a new environment, and how SDSU supports them through orientation leaders and a wide range of campus organizations. Tune in to learn about the importance of building connections, finding your place at SDSU, and how getting involved can enhance student well-being and success.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Listeners will describe the purpose and structure of new student orientation at SDSU. 
2. Listeners will explore ways to engage with peers, faculty, and staff to foster connections and build a sense of community.
3. Listeners will articulate the value of relationships with faculty, staff, and peers in their overall college experience.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What are some ways you have - or plan to - build connections at SDSU?
2. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by new information in a school or work setting? How did you handle it?
3. What actions can you take to become more involved in campus activities and leadership opportunities?
4. How can faculty, staff and peers contribute to a student's sense of belonging on campus?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Kevin Sackreiter sits down with Russ Chavez, Director of the Veterans Affairs and Resource Center at South Dakota State University (SDSU), to discuss the crucial role the center plays in supporting student veterans, service members, and their families. Listeners will gain insight into the transition process for veterans entering higher education, common challenges student veterans face, and accessing wellbeing resources.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the mission and services of SDSU's Veterans Affairs and Resource Center in supporting student veterans, service members, and military-connected students.
2. Discuss the transition difficulties veterans may face when moving from military service to a university setting.
3. Identify mental health resources available to student veterans, including SDSU Counseling Services and VA-affiliated support.
 
Processing Questions:
1. How do events like Warrior Wellness Week and the Veterans Retreat contribute to the wellbeing of student veterans?
2. What mental health and wellbeing resources are available to veterans at SDSU, and how can they be accessed?
3. How can faculty and staff make their classrooms more welcoming and supportive for student veterans?

As we continue our series on the Opportunity Center Student Success Network, a team from the American Indian Student Center (AISC) joins the podcast to discuss initiatives to support student success and promote students' mental, physical, and emotional health. The episode also highlights upcoming events and the importance of community engagement to foster a supportive environment for SDSU students.
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe the mission and services provided by AISC.
2. Recognize the various support services offered by AISC, including retention advising and holistic wellbeing programs.
3. Describe the ways in which AISC and the student organizations AISA and AISES engage with the SDSU community and the broader Brookings community.
 
Processing Questions:
1. How does AISC support students' holistic wellbeing?
2. What opportunities exist for members of the SDSU and Brookings communities to engage with activities from AISC, AISA, and AISES?
3. How have the guests' personal experiences influenced their roles and contributions to AISC and the student organizations?

In this episode, Carey Kilmer, Director of Continuing and Distance Education, and Mercedes Schievelbein, Enrollment and Student Success Coordinator, discuss how SDSU serves distance learners, online students, and high school dual enrollment students, ensuring they receive the same level of academic and wellbeing support as on-campus students. Learn about the virtual student union, tutoring, and academic support for remote learners, and building a sense of belonging as a distance student.
 
Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe the services the Office of Continuing and Distance Education offers to support online and distance learners.
2. Identify strategies for time management and stress reduction tailored to distance learners.
3. Discuss how SDSU fosters a sense of belonging for online and distance learners.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What challenges have you faced (or do you anticipate facing) as an online or distance learner?
2. What strategies have helped you stay organized or motivated in online courses? What are some ways to manage time effectively as an online student, especially when balancing school, work, family, and other responsibilities?
3. How can you proactively engage with faculty, advisors, and peers in an online setting?
4. What steps can you take to make sure you're using SDSU's online student resources effectively?