An expanded CQUniversity Experience Outreach Program will be launched in the presence of a senior government official, from 11am-Noon on Tuesday May 25.

Academic Registrar Barbara Lawrence has encouraged all staff to get involved in the launch, which will be videoconferenced from Rockhampton to campuses in Bundaberg, Mackay, Gladstone and Emerald.

"As a nation, it is imperative that we break down the barriers that have led to the ongoing under-representation in higher education of students from low socio-economic backgrounds if we are to achieve greater national productivity and encourage social cohesion," Ms Lawrence said.

"Our strategic plan 2010 - 2013 provides a clear mandate for our commitment to widening participation from low socioeconomic students to higher education.

"CQUniversity has a long history in providing Outreach programs to the communities it serves. Outreach focuses on raising aspirations, dismantling myths and providing information and real life experiences about higher education."

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard has announced that the guidelines for the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) have been approved to increase enrolments of students from a low socio-economic status (SES) background: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Pages/default.aspx

The presentation will include:

• An overview of the State Government's focus on widening participation of low socio-economic students in higher education including some Queensland statistics - Keynote Presentation: Ian Kimber, Executive Director, Office of Higher Education, Department of Education and Training;

• The CQUniversity Outreach Program - where to from here? - Mary McLeod, Student Centres Directorate

• Launch of the expanded Outreach Program - Professor Scott Bowman, Vice-Chancellor, CQUniversity