The University of Southern Queensland is looking forward to hosting a visit by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, on Tuesday 7 February.

The Governor will meet with USQ Chancellor, Mr Don Stevens AM and Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Graham Baker, before inspecting the University's Distance and e-Learning Centre (DeC).

USQ is recognised as a world leader in distance and duel mode (on-campus and off-campus) education and DeC was the first distance education facility in the world to receive international quality accreditation.

USQ's flexible approach to education is an essential element of its teaching. USQ's online global learning initiatives are recognised as State-of-the-art in international delivery, curriculum content and form. The Distance and e-Learning Centre supports the design, development, production and distribution of study materials to external students.

Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, will also tour USQ's famous Japanese Garden.

Located on the northern side of the campus on a 4.5 hectare site, it is Australia's largest and most traditionally designed Japanese garden.

The garden includes 230 species of Japanese and Australian native tress and plants, three kilometres of paths and expansive lawns that combine the gardens in restful harmony.

Date: Tuesday 7 February 2006

Time: 1.15pm

Venue: Distance and e-Learning Centre, Y Block, USQ

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, W: 07 4631 2092, M: 0412 097 326