Política de acesso e permanência para estudantes indígenas na universidade: avaliação da política de cotas da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT)

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the quota policy of the Federal University of Tocantins - UFT, analyzing its implementation and first results based on a case study at the UFT Miracema Campus. To this end, data of access, entry and stay of the indigenous students of the Xerente population, beneficiaries of the Quota Policy Program in this Campus, will be analyzed. The methodology used in the evaluation research focuses on both qualitative and quantitative aspects. To conduct this research, a documentary study was made using institutional instruments, such as minutes, reports, opinions, among others, which contained information that was relevant for the research. Data collection was conducted through participant observation, questionnaires to indigenous and non-indigenous students as well as semi-structured interviews with managers, coordinators, teachers and indigenous students at the Miracema Campus. The subjects of the evaluation research were the indigenous students enrolled for a degree in the Undergraduate Schools of Education and Social Work, between 2005 and 2009, a sufficient time for the evaluation. It became clear, however, with support in data, that the quota policy of the UFT ensures mainly the access, relegating to a secondary position the situation of the indigenous students during their stay, and it is essential to assess the policy, specifically focusing on the factors that go beyond the increase in the number of vacancies, but are related to their stay, such as, building a students‟ restaurant and a residence hall in all the university campuses, resources for the indigenous students to go from the native village to the university, among others. Thus, one should recognize the importance of this policy for the indigenous people, with regard to access. However, regarding their stay, the UFT/Miracema Campus needs, in addition to expanding their actions, to qualify those under way. In concrete terms, there has not been a planned policy of access and stay for the indigenous students in the institution, which may lead to a good academic performance, and consequently to a high quality education.