How do students perceive sustainability in higher education? A qualitative study on the Federal University of Cariri - CE

In the academic context of discussions about sustainability, several higher education institutions (HEIs) have brought their mission and vision closer to discussions on the subject. However, other HEIs are born-based on the principles of sustainability. The present study investigates this second case, aiming to understand through the students' perception what is their understanding about sustainability, having as locus the Federal University of Cariri (UFCA), a young HEI that is inserted in the context of Ceara countryside, which has sustainability. as a guiding axis. The subjects of this research were 48 students who participated in a semi-structured interview, analyzed through the Collective Subject Discourse, seeking to understand how the theme is inserted in the institution. We understand that students' perception on the subject is diffuse, based on mitigating environmental problems and reducing consumption, orchestrated in a rationality limited by the curriculum, but which presents a plurality of discussions.