O Universidade Sem Fronteiras: análise de uma política pública a partir da Teoria do Programa

Abstract

In the present study was analyzed the elaboration and implementation of a state program to promote university extension, the Universidade Sem Fronteiras Program - USF, examining its internal structure from the point of view of the logical relationships between its objectives, programs and means spent. The USF had the purpose of decentralizing economic and social development, due to the need to reduce social inequalities presented in the state, its actions were carried out through university extension projects. The analysis was supported by the Logical Model methodology, part of the Program Theory, an analytical mechanism proposed as an aid to the elaboration of public policies, in aspects related to the evaluation, analysis of information or in the diagnosis of the results. The data were collected in documentary consultation and in interviews with agents involved in the USF since its proposal to the present moment. The results obtained in the research showed that the USF supported and promoted approximately 1000 projects, endorsing the movement of 8.500 undergraduate students and reaching approximately 85% (360 of the 399) municipalities in the State of Paraná with its actions. However, the data indicated that despite the USF being characterized as a public policy, it presented limitations in its ability to interfere in a profound and assertive way the social reality of Paraná. One of the critical aspects observed during the analyses, in the light of the Program Theory, was the lack of construction of specific indicators to evaluate the actions carried out by the USF.