CONCEPTUAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS IN THE ARTICULATION OF TEACHING, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION: THE EXPERIENCE WITH SOLIDARITY ECONOMY AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF SÃO CARLOS

Abstract

University extension has been the object of analysis and discussion at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), in the Brazilian Pro-Rectors Forums, in various academic circles and, recently, it has resurfaced with the discussion on Curricularization of University Extension, aiming to meet the need to inclusion in the pedagogical projects of undergraduate courses, as required by the Guidelines for Extension in Brazilian Higher Education. This article examines university concepts and practices in the context of Solidarity Economy from the Regional Incubator of Popular Cooperatives (INCOOP) and its successor: Multidisciplinary Center for Studies, Training and Intervention in Solidarity Economy (NuMI-EcoSol/UFSCar), as a contribution to overcome perspectives that separate, and often antagonize teaching, research and extension, understood here as core activities, or specific activities of the University to ensure the fulfillment of its goal of knowledge production. The work includes the systematization of the history of NuMI-EcoSol and its activities, such as: specialization course, disciplines, research and extension projects. Finally, contributions from the perspective of solidarity economy are highlighted for the revision and improvement of concepts related to the role of the University, its relationship with society and conditions for the development of its activities compatible with contemporary requirements to which Science must respond.