Autonomy and university management in times of crisis: the case of the state universities of Parana

Through the exposition of aspects of administrative autonomy and financial and patrimonial management in the Brazilian legislation, as well as the situation of the state universities of Parana, the objective was to reflect on the implications of state interference in academic management and, consequently, the deleterious consequences so that the universities fulfill their primary purposes: teaching, research and extension. In a bibliographical and documentary research, we analyzed legal aspects of university autonomy and the complex issues that hinder the consolidation of autonomy in Brazilian Higher Education Institutions - in particular, in Parana. These were aspects related to the activities-means: administrative autonomy and financial and patrimonial management. It was highlighted the controversial economic and political interests involved in the maintenance of universities. Finally, it was concluded that, for universities to be efficient in their pursuit of their true ends, it is fundamental that legislation and state administration guarantee them autonomy in their activities.