The extension experience of UFF in Campos dos Goytacazes and its expression in academic activities

Abstract

University extension actions have historically been presented as one of the three fundamental pillars of higher education, alongside teaching and researching, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the academic community and society. Its function transcends the mere dissemination of knowledge, as it constitutes an important tool for the involvement of universities in processes of social, cultural, and economic transformation. In this context, the central proposal of this article is to reflect on the process of institutionalization of university extension at the UFF in Campos dos Goytacazes. For this purpose, this paper aims to investigate how the extension activities developed by teachers from this campus are expressed in the latest editions of the UFF Extension Week (Semext), as well as the UENF, UFF, IFF, and UFRRJ Extension Fair. The extension experience on the Campos dos Goytacazes campus is highlighted as an example of articulation between university and society, contributing to addressing regional inequalities. Ultimately, the article points to the importance of institutionalizing extension to guarantee its continuity, social relevance, and transformative impact, always in articulation with the needs of the territory.