State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

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.

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.

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?

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?

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?