Análise da Política de Assistência Estudantil no âmbito Instituto Federal do Ceará – campus de Fortaleza sob o olhar dos discentes

Abstract

This study aims to know and analyze the several programs developed by the Student Assistance Policy at IFCE and how they have been impacting the improvement of the students’ academic performance. Semi-structured interviews applied to the beneficiaries from several students’ programs have been used as study sources, besides the analysis of institutional documents, such as resolutions, the Institutional Development Plan, laws, management reports, budget charts, and institutional records. This study is characterized as a qualitative research, supported by quantitative data, and having the fields of Higher Education, Public Policies, and the Student Assistance as a theoretical reference. In order to analyze the data obtained, Bardin’s Content Analysis technique has been used based on the qualitative data obtained from the participating subjects. The results allow us to identify that the public policies developed by the governments in recent decades are due to the effects of the counter-reform, which is characterized by the retraction of state action in the public services. The Student Assistance as a Social Policy of Rights presents historical and political features arising from the accelerated expansion process, and the democratization of higher education in Brazil. Regarding the Policy developed within IFCE, the learners consider that it plays a significant role in improving their academic performance through inclusive actions that ensure access and permanence of the young in the institute. They recognize that the programs need to be expanded in order to meet a portion of the students who are still excluded nowadays due to budget limitations. It was evident that the students understand the Student Assistance Policy as a social right, that is, a state duty. Finally, they have identified the need for further monitoring of such Policy by the professionals who carry it out as well as greater transparency in how the funds are spent.