The public action processes of student assistance in Brazilian federal universities in the Midwest.
Student assistance. Higher education. Public action. CenterWest.
The object of this study is to understand the processes of student assistance at federal universities in the Midwest, considering its five main institutions: University of Brasília (UnB), Federal University of Goias (UFG), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD) and Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). The theoretical background for revealing these dynamics is laid out in the conceptualizations of student assistance, public action, and hybrid forums. The research methodology is qualitative, based on the collection and analysis of data from documents from educational institutions, the National Forum of Pro-rectors and Student Affairs (FONAPRACE) and the Ministry of Education (MEC). As well, interviews were conducted with students, managers and with the representative of FONAPRACE. The National Student Assistance Program emerged as the main tool for public action aimed at ensuring permanence of students. It was observed that student assistance share many similarities, and are still focused on the distribution of financial aid, housing and food. The following were seen as the protagonists FONAPRACE, the Directorate of Social Development (DDS) of UnB, the Dean of Student Affairs (PRAE) of UFG, the Dean of Student Assistance (PRAE) of UFMT, the Pro-Rectory of Student Affairs (PROAES) of UFMS, and the Pro-Rectory of Community and Student Affairs (PROAE) of UFGD, the student movements, the political agents, and the Office of the Comptroller General of the Union. During the pandemic, the universities called for proposals for digital inclusion to provide minimum conditions for remote activities.