Thus, while the post is still often used, it is rather a slow medium. In many University subjects videotext is also used as a communications bond between students and professors. Finally, the videoconference system, used for the first time in academic year 1993-94, is beginning to be implemented. All Headquarters faculty must devote some of their time to direct telephone contact with their students and tutors. Many of these telephones have answering machines so students can leave messages at any time of day.
Professors reply either by phone or by post.
Professors of the various subjects and courses use these programs to contact their students. Moreover, Spanish Television's Channel 2 broadcasts information about UNED several times a week. The fact that there is a physical distance between students and professors does not mean that the latter are not necessary. There are over 900 professors at Headquarters and over 3500 tutors to help students with their studies. In addition to this academic support, students receive administrative support from the office and service staff at Headquarters and the Local Centers.