This article deals with a case study carried out at the State University of Mato Grosso – UNEMAT in which permanence in Higher Education is discussed. The objective was to understand the IES' student assistance policy and analyze whether it is configured and/or being implemented as a permanence policy. We analyzed Resolution No. 019/2013–CONSUNI (University Council) that creates the Student Assistance Program and the notices for selecting students for housing and food assistance, from 2013 to 2015. We verified that the Program had the objective of providing financial support to students of undergraduate courses, with proven socioeconomic vulnerability. The intention of ensuring permanence with a return on improving learning was not found textually in the documents, nor were possible mechanisms for monitoring academic performance identified. We noted the existence of demand for the vacancies offered. However, these vacancies have not been filled in their entirety and there is still a significant dropout of vacancies that are granted, which demonstrates a deficiency in the implementation of this Program. We concluded that, in the period surveyed, at Unemat, permanence was being considered, but the actions were not fully implemented.