In their first year at university, many students become immersed in the academic discourse community of their discipline. If not addressed and challenged, this discourse can negatively impact the fundamental social aspects of higher education. This “student-as-client” dualism undermines academic community by distancing students from their learning relationship and instrumentalizing it. This “sales-oriented” mentality is an economic rationalism that could undermine core university values. Study Association Kraket plays an important part on this matter.
1. Networking
Study Association Kraket has a major impact on the academic community through its networking activities. Members collaborate to create public spaces for scholarly research, have meaningful dialogues with colleagues and university administrators. It also create more equitable organizational structures at their institutions, and devise innovative teaching and academic research models.
In many respects, ALCESXXI’s approach is an inspiring example of breaking away from academic hierarchy and cultivating professional relationships that don’t rely on formal qualifications or degrees. Furthermore, its membership includes scholars from a range of disciplines. Who are actively engaged in Spanish Studies with unique perspectives and methods to offer. This philosophy has become a hallmark of their operations while creating an atmosphere. That welcomes both newcomers and long-standing members alike.
Academic social networks largely rely on user-generated content. Researchers typically contribute publications, biobibliographic information, and associations for these networks voluntarily. While faculty may hesitate to report their own publications in journal databases or Current Research Information Systems (CRIS), they are quick to upload their works onto an academic social networking profile once they are published.
Furthermore, as is common with many forms of social media, these platforms enable researchers to share their profiles and citations with a broader audience through likes, mentions, and other ‘altmetrics’. While these metrics don’t always translate to the same value or authority as traditional publication or citation indicators, they do provide researchers with an acknowledgement within their communities.
Scholars have suggested that the popularity of these sites can be attributed to their legitimacy by many within academia (Hammarfelt, de Rijcke and Rushforth 2016). In other words, these platforms provide an environment in which academics can monitor their performance and self-report on research activities.
However, these assertions are challenged. Scholars contend that altmetrics lack systematic evaluation processes and thus lack value.
3. Academic events
Study Association Kraket has had a lasting effect on the academic community at Vrije Universiteit and beyond, creating various resources and events that aid students in their studies and professional lives. Its success can be credited to its hardworking staff, faculty support from VU, and members’ dedication.
Established in 1990, Kraket began as a way to provide extra academic support for Econometrics students at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. However, its popularity quickly spread among members and soon expanded its focus to encompass Operations Research as well. By 2002, it had become the official study association for both programs at Vrije Universiteit: Econometrics and Operations Research.
Today, Kraket boasts over 700 members and is one of the largest student associations at Vrije Universiteit. Its activities and services aim to enrich students’ academic, social, and professional experiences within the Econometrics and Operations Research program at Vrije Universiteit. Furthermore, its presence has contributed significantly to building a strong reputation for the department within Econometrics & Operations Research which can be advantageous for future employers.
Kraket offers its members a comprehensive array of academic support, such as exam training sessions, problem-solving workshops and study groups. It also offers online resources like K-connect – an access platform to past exams, study materials and other valuable materials.
Kraket also hosts a range of career-focused events, such as company presentations and networking gatherings. These opportunities enable students to form connections with potential employers and gain insight into their career options. Furthermore, Kraket often organizes international study trips which give students the chance to travel around the world while learning about different cultures.
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