Old Dominion University recently launched "Monarch Money Matters," the institution's first video-based financial literacy platform that is designed to teach students about budgeting, debt management and maximizing career opportunities.

"Monarch Money Matters" is a special project hosted by iGrad.com, a website founded by financial aid professionals. The partnership was made possible by ODU's student success committee, which is led by Ellen Neufeldt, vice president for student engagement and enrollment services, Provost Carol Simpson and Todd Johnson, vice president of auxiliary services.

"ODU, like many schools nationally, is very concerned about the alarming amount of student debt which is now in excess of $1 trillion nationwide," Johnson said. "We have decided to provide comprehensive information that will help students become more knowledgeable about personal finances and debt, and where to go to get their questions answered."

Students can access "Monarch Money Matters" by logging into their myODU portal and clicking the new link, which appears on the right hand side of the screen. Students must complete a short, one-time registration by answering questions about their financial profile.

"Monarch Money Matters" features nine educational financial health modules, including lessons on smarter spending, student loans, pay checks and credit cards. There are also money related articles, videos and webinars available on the site about education, lifestyle, career and future preparation. Students will have free access to these materials throughout their time at ODU, as well as after they graduate.

On the site, students can post resumes, as well as search and apply for jobs. There is also a townhall-style forum where students can ask financial questions and get answers from experts, as well as advice from peers.

Users are encouraged by earning certificates that recognize achievements, like completing financial literacy modules, reading articles or watching up to 100 iGrad articles and videos, registering for webinars and searching for jobs.

"The iGrad initiative is the first in which we are coordinating resources and efforts on the topic of financial literacy, but our plan is to have other initiatives which highlight the importance of financial literacy," Johnson said.

To learn more about "Monarch Money Matters" students can access the program through their myODU Portal. Staff and non-current students can access it at the iGrad/ODU website.