People can now get live support to find out their education and training options any time of any day through expanded service at Tacoma Community College.

TCC is now offering customer service by phone and Web chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The goal is to make information about TCC accessible from a real person any time of the day or night.

The college has expanded online classes, evening and weekend schedules, and “hybrid” courses (a blend of online and classroom instruction that reduces the numbers of trips to campus for students) to complement its traditional daytime schedule. The changes respond to research that shows that traditional college schedules work for fewer people than in the past. More people who need education and training have jobs and family responsibilities, so flexibility is a key to access.

People interested in using the service can go to TCC’s Website at http://www.tacomacc.edu and click on the “Start Here” button. The Web chat link is at the top of the page. The 24-hour phone number is (253) 566-5001.

Tacoma Community College is also expanding offerings at its Gig Harbor Campus for Peninsula students who want to avoid the toll on the new Narrows Bridge. Online or hybrid courses, offered at both the Tacoma and Gig Harbor campuses, are another good way people can avoid extra trips over the bridge. For more information, call or chat any time of the day or night.