Student assistance and its contribution to human and social development: what do the institutional development plans of the state universities of Minas Gerais say?

Abstract

Institutional assessments, carried out through the National Higher Education Assessment System (Sinaes), consider Institutional Development Plans (PDIs) to analyze what had been carried out by universities. This document is important to demarcate what is expected to be achieved in different areas, such as student assistance, as a student service policy. In this sense, the present work, which is based on studies carried out during the doctorate in education at the University of Brasília (UnB), presents reflections on student assistance actions, questioning whether these contribute to the promotion of human and social development. This is an exploratory study, based on bibliographic and documentary research, guided by a critical perspective. From the study of PDIs, the realities of public universities in the State of Minas Gerais, the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG) and the State University of Montes Claros (Unimontes) are considered. Based on the analyzes carried out, we also had the opportunity to learn about the mission, objectives and values ​​that guide the actions of these state universities. Analyzing the predictions about student assistance, it was possible to identify common elements and also differences that, if not considered, could complicate the process of qualifying the assistance provided to students, especially those with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions.

Keywords: state universities; student assistance; institutional development plan; human development; social development.