Políticas de acesso e permanência de mulheres no curso de Pedagogia da UFPB: desafios e perspectivas

Abstract

Student Assistance policies play a fundamental role in ensuring the democratization of higher education at universities, as well as in promoting more equitable conditions and contributing to the reduction of dropout and withdrawal rates. Therefore, it is essential to expand and strengthen public programs and policies aimed at improving the conditions for student retention. Within this context, the objective of this study was to analyze how Student Assistance policies have contributed to the retention of female students enrolled in the Pedagogy program at the Federal University of Paraíba. More specifically, the study aimed to: describe the functioning of the Student Assistance policy implemented by the Federal University of Paraíba; identify how this policy has contributed to reducing dropout and withdrawal rates in the Pedagogy program; and present proposals for improving Student Assistance at the aforementioned university. The methodology is qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory in nature, supported by document analysis. The results showed that the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) provides various Student Assistance policies aimed at supporting and promoting student retention, such as the University Restaurant, University Residence, Housing Assistance, Food Assistance, Transportation Assistance, and Childcare Assistance, among other benefits. These policies may contribute to reducing factors that hinder academic retention, particularly those related to students’ socioeconomic conditions. In this regard, the benefits provided by the institution may support students’ retention in the program by enabling better conditions for their engagement in teaching, research, and extension activities, consequently contributing to the continuation and completion of their academic education. It is therefore concluded that Student Assistance policies play a relevant role in promoting student retention in higher education and should consequently be strengthened, expanded, and continuously evaluated. Investment in these policies contributes to building a more equitable, inclusive, and democratic public university, committed not only to expanding access to higher education but also to ensuring the conditions necessary for students to remain in and complete their academic education.