State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

stateofwellbeing
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

State of Wellbeing is a holistic well-being podcast to support the SDSU campus community as we strive to be a growing, high-performing, and healthy university.

  1. Sep 16

    Making Friends as an Adult

    Making friends can feel surprisingly difficult—especially during times of transition, whether you’re starting college, beginning a new job, or simply entering a new season of life. In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Caitlin Walters is joined by Emma Williams, Assistant Director for University Apartments and Guest Services at South Dakota State University, for a conversation about loneliness, belonging, and building meaningful connections.   Learning Objectives: 1. Identify common factors that contribute to loneliness and difficulty forming social connections. 2. Describe the role of belonging, intentionality, and consistency in developing and maintaining friendships. 3. Apply practical, low-pressure strategies for initiating new connections and strengthening existing relationships.   Processing Questions: 1. What are two resources here on campus to help you make connections and build stronger friendships? 2. What are some reasons that people are feeling more lonely these days?

  2. Sep 2

    Finding Belonging: Navigating Homesickness and Connection at SDSU

    Starting college is an exciting new chapter, but it can also bring feelings of homesickness and uncertainty about where you belong. In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Chief Wellness Officer Shari Landmark sits down with SDSU counselors Autumn Garr and Julia Walker to talk about belonging, connection, and the realities of homesickness. Together, they share insights from their work with students, debunk common misconceptions, and offer practical tools for navigating loneliness and building community on campus. From exploring campus resources to discovering your own strengths, this conversation reminds every Jackrabbit that you are not alone—and that you truly belong here.   Learning Objectives: 1. Define the concepts of belonging and homesickness in the context of the college experience. 2. Recognize common signs that a student may be struggline with homesickness or disconnection. 3. Identify misconceptions about homesickness and belonging that can create barriers to wellbeing. 4. Apply practical coping strategies and campus resources to support a greater sense of connection and belonging.   Processing Questions: 1. How do you personally define “belonging,” and in what ways does that align (or differ) from the ideas shared in the episode? 2. The counselors mentioned that homesickness can look different for everyone. How have you experienced or observed this in yourself or others? 3. Which coping strategies or campus resources mentioned in the episode feel most accessible or useful to you right now? 4. The episode emphasized the role of self-acceptance in belonging. What are some ways you can practice greater self-acceptance in your own life? 5. What small step can you commit to this week to strengthen your sense of belonging?

  3. Jun 17

    Community Building in Online Courses

    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.

  4. Jun 3

    Community in the Classroom

    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.

  5. May 20

    Summer Health

    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?

  6. May 6

    You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out: Stress and Post-graduation Life

    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?

  7. Apr 29

    Level Up Your Money: A College Finance Panel

    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?

  8. Apr 22

    Social Anxiety

    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?

See All (75)

About

State of Wellbeing is a holistic well-being podcast to support the SDSU campus community as we strive to be a growing, high-performing, and healthy university.

Information