Programa Nacional de Assistência Estudantil e seu acesso no contexto da UTFPR: proposta de uso de ferramentas da linguagem simples no edital de auxílio estudantil

Abstract

The difficulty in understanding information disclosed by the Public Administration is a fact that directly affects citizens. This problem also affects universities, causing particular harm in accessing the services offered. This research aims to understand the contributions of integrating Plain Language strategies in improving the Call for Student Aid at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), aiming to facilitate access, comprehension, and inclusion of the beneficiaries of the National Student Assistance Program. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the processes for requesting Student Aid have become computerized, a procedure in effect since 2020. However, numerous difficulties have been observed among students in understanding information regarding documentation, among other instructions. Therefore, this problem was investigated based on a qualitative approach, wherein, through a literature review, the main discussions by authors investigating topics related to Student Aid programs and Plain Language movement were outlined. Data collection occurred, in the first phase, through documentary research, mainly from the guides and manuals produced by the Plain Language Brazil Network and Participant Observation in a group analyzing documents related to Student Aid. In the second phase, the focus was on the UTFPR Student Aid call, where a proposal for using Plain Language tools for the Student Aid Call was developed, based on the purpose of simplifying communication, aiming at service access and transparency in Public Administration. The research demonstrated that using Plain Language can facilitate the understanding of the Student Aid Call. Another result was the relevance of visual presentation compared to other Plain Language tools. Finally, the use of Plain Language can be a factor that facilitates access to assistance policies and helps in the academic retention in Higher Education.