Expansão e sustentabilidade do ensino superior em Mato Grosso do Sul: o caso da UFMS (1992-2012)

Abstract

In this study, we examined the expansion and sustainability of higher education in Mato Grosso do Sul state during the FHC and Lula presidential administrations, between 1992 and 2012. We used UFMS (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul) as the object of research, in two campuses in the state: one in Ponta Porã (CPPP) and the other in Nova Andradina (CPNA). The choice was made based on the characteristics of these campuses, with the former featuring courses aimed at the formal and natural sciences, and the latter aimed at the humanities. The present study was developed upon documents published by UFMS, works related to the subject and oral sources from leaders, professors and staff from the mentioned institution. We related the local circumstances, the perspective of implementation of new campuses and courses to the political and educational efforts towards expansion. Based on the analyses of the document and oral sources, the process of implementation of new campuses and courses in this effort of expansion of the federal universities and the possibility of sustainability were questioned in relation to the criteria used for the choice of location, courses and field of interest for this expansion. We pointed out the paths taken to the implementation of this expansion and made clear the meaning of sustainability to the opening of these new campuses and courses, using the concepts of scientific field, region and power in Bourdieu's view.