Trajetória dos alunos cotistas nos cursos de graduação da Universidade Federal do Tocantins – Câmpus de Miracema: uma análise após a implementação da Lei 12.711/2012

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the academic and social trajectories of quota students in undergraduate programs at the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT) - Miracema Campus during their formative years. It identified the main opportunities and barriers these students faced and sought to produce information that would contribute to the implementation of new public policies and/or the improvement of current policies aimed at students from public schools, Black, mixed-race, and low-income students who are currently enrolled in or intend to enroll in undergraduate programs at the institution. Methodologically, the research is exploratory in nature, based on initial data collection and the application of the focus group technique. The groups were organized around two central themes: quota students' perceptions of the Quota Law and the difficulties they faced during their undergraduate studies. The analysis focused on the effectiveness of affirmative action policies, particularly Law No. 12.711/2012. The results show that the Quota Law has favored the inclusion process at the Miracema Campus of the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT). However, quota students still face significant financial, emotional, technological, and communicational barriers, factors that compromise both their academic performance and their retention at the institution. These findings can support the improvement of public inclusion policies, strengthening UFT as a proactive institution in promoting more equitable and socially responsible higher education.