A IMPORTÂNCIA DA RECEPÇÃO DOS INGRESSANTES COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE INTEGRAÇÃO E PERMANÊNCIA ACADÊMICA: EXPERIÊNCIA NO CURSO DE ENGENHARIA CIVIL DO IFPB - CAMPUS PATOS

Abstract

: Entering higher education represents a transition period marked by academic, social, and institutional adaptation challenges, especially in Engineering programs, which often present significant dropout and retention rates. In this context, welcoming and reception initiatives for incoming students emerge as important strategies to facilitate integration into university life and strengthen academic persistence. This study aims to report the experience of a freshman reception activity conducted in the Civil Engineering program at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Para(cid:237)ba (IFPB) – Campus Patos, developed within the scope of an extension project focused on student integration. The research adopts a qualitative approach and is based on the analysis of activities carried out with incoming students at the beginning of the academic semester. The actions included a discussion circle, presentation of the curriculum structure, clarification of potential academic challenges, encouragement to participate in research and extension projects, and visits to the program’s laboratories. The results indicate that the activity created an environment of dialogue and interaction, allowing students to share questions and expectations regarding university life. Furthermore, the initiative contributed to increasing students’ understanding of the course structure, available academic opportunities, and the importance of planning their academic trajectory. It is concluded that reception and welcoming initiatives play an important role in promoting a sense of institutional belonging, serving as effective strategies to support adaptation to higher education and strengthen student retention policies.