The institutional bases of the university extension policy: understanding the proposals of federal universities in institutional development plans

Abstract

The policy of university extension is to promote communication between the university and the community, whose purpose is the dissemination of knowledge. Based on this assumption, the objective of this study was to analyze the extension policy of federal public universities, based on the guidelines stated in the Institutional Development Plans. The methodology adopted was the qualitative approach, although data appear in percentages, but since the analysis does not result in a statistical deepening proper, we say that it is a predominantly qualitative research. The data collection technique was based on the principles of documentary analysis, adopting as object the Plans of Institutional Development of 27 federal universities, based in the capitals. The concluding summary points to the following understanding: the extension policy in the Brazilian public university, as it is stated in the documents, refers to the fulfillment of the social and educational function, of academic formation, with the implementation of theoretical and practical actions for the promotion of knowledge and culture, access to knowledge and human solidarity, in a participatory, dialogic and value-based partnership.