Western students no longer have to be on campus to receive free tutoring.

The Learning Center is offering online tutoring sessions.

Students can get help in more than 40 subject areas such as math and English, said Sean McCray, assistant director of supplemental education.

“We wanted to meet students where they are at, which is online,” he said.

McCray said the online tutoring service won’t be as effective as meeting face-to-face with someone, but it’s an alternative for students who don’t feel comfortable meeting in person with someone.

The online tutoring service is beneficial for students who take online courses or can’t to come to campus, he said.

Current online tutoring sessions are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. in different subject areas, according to the TLC Web site.

Students must contact TLC to set up an online session, according to the Web site.

Glasgow freshman Jake Morrow said he prefers to use TLC labs on campus.

“I would rather meet with someone face-to-face, rather than having to do it over the Internet,” Morrow said.

Madisonville freshman Emily Patton said she thinks the online service will be helpful to students.

She said she can’t always go to TLC during office hours and sometimes can’t find the labs.

“Now that this is offered online, I don’t have to worry about that anymore and can always get help,” Patton said.

Students need a broadband Internet connection to use the online tutoring, according to an e-mail sent to Western students.

Students are encouraged to use microphones, webcams, speakers and headphones. Those tools will allow them to see, hear and talk to their tutor easier, according to the e-mail.

Students can still use the TLC labs on campus, McCray said.

He said he thinks students still prefer to meet with someone in person because it poses less of a communication problem. But the online tutoring service will be a supplement to the tutoring labs on campus, he said.