A política de expansão da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba : desafios, avanços e limitações

Abstract

This study investigates the expansion process of the State University of Paraíba (UEPB) between 2004 and 2006, after it was granted financial autonomy by Law 7.643/2004. The research analyzes the impacts of this expansion on the institution's financial management, considering its dependence on state resources and economic fluctuations. Four new campuses were created in Monteiro, Patos, Catolé do Rocha and João Pessoa, promoting the inland expansion of higher education in Paraíba. The investigation was conducted using a qualitative approach, with bibliographical and documentary research. The analysis was based on legislation such as the 1988 Federal Constitution, which guarantees didactic-scientific, administrative and financial autonomy to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs); Law No. 4.977/1987, which stateized UEPB; and Law No. 7.643/2004, which guaranteed its financial autonomy. In addition, internal university regulations were analyzed, such as resolutions of the University Council (CONSUNI), and institutional documents, including Institutional Development Plans (PDI), Management Reports and Annual Budgets. The research adopts the perspective of historical-dialectical materialism, which allows us to understand the expansion of UEPB as a dynamic and contradictory process, influenced by economic, political and social factors. This approach shows that the achievement of financial autonomy was the result of disputes between different institutional and governmental actors, reflecting the struggle to expand free public higher education. In addition, the SWOT matrix was applied to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in UEPB's management and financing process. The results show that although autonomy has strengthened the university, financial challenges persist due to dependence on the state budget and political and economic instability. The study could contribute to the formulation of strategies that can guarantee greater financial sustainability for the institution, consolidating its importance in the democratization of higher education in Paraíba.