Remote higher education and policies to confront the COVID-19 pandemic at the Federal University of Santa Maria

Abstract

Introduction: This article aims to analyze the policies to face the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), especially with regard to the promotion of student assistance. At the beginning of 2020, with the significant increase in cases of COVID -19 in Brazil and in the world, a series of measures were implemented that affected all sectors, including the educational system. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), faced with this scenario, needed adaptations, with the development of emergency policies to assist students in situations of social vulnerability. Thus, the relevance of this study is justified as it seeks to demonstrate the challenges faced by UFSM, to guarantee students the right to education. Objective: Thus, this article aims to analyze the emerging issues in the policies to face the Covid-19 pandemic at UFSM, in addition to presenting the conceptions of the Dean of Student Affairs (PRAE) on the limits and potential of these policies in action. Methodology: For this purpose, a qualitative approach is used, with document analysis and an interview. Results/Conclusion: The results show that the scope of educational policies developed and implemented by the Dean of Student Affairs of UFSM and student assistance for the training of students play a fundamental role, ensuring that students have the means to achieve their academic goals and professionals, without damage to their integrity. On the other hand, the limitations imposed by the scrapping of HEIs, by frequent budget cuts, have compromised the continuity of student assistance actions and represent a threat to future UFSM students