Leeds Language Zone scoops internal award for building campus community
The award specifically celebrates intranet platforms that successfully nurture a strong sense of community and encourage collaboration.
The Language Zone team at the University of Leeds has been awarded the institution's Intranet Site Owners Community and Belonging Award for its outstanding digital contribution to university life. The accolade recognises the service's success in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and highly relevant online environment that brings together a diverse community of students and staff through shared language learning.
Operating both as a vibrant physical hub on campus and a comprehensive digital resource centre, the Language Zone provides free learning materials in more than 50 languages, alongside workshops, language exchanges, and expert staff support.
The award specifically celebrates intranet platforms that successfully nurture a strong sense of community, encourage collaboration, and ensure that both colleagues and students feel supported, informed, and inspired. By offering a meticulously structured and regularly updated site featuring interactive elements, events, and collaborative spaces, the Language Zone was judged to have demonstrated a profound understanding of its diverse audience's needs.
"This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the entire team in making language learning accessible and community-focused," said Carolin Schneider, Manager of the Language Zone. "Our goal has always been to create a space – both online and on campus – where everyone feels they belong, and this award shows we are succeeding in bringing people together."
The accolade marks a period of continued success for the service, with the new award certificate now proudly displayed in the Language Zone alongside their recent UIBE Confucius Institute 20th Anniversary Partnership Award.
Open to all current students and staff, the Language Zone continues to expand its offerings, which include independent study resources, structured workshops, and opportunities to connect directly with native speakers.
Members of the university community who have not yet explored the award-winning platform can access the digital resources, activities, and a 360-degree virtual tour by visiting the official Language Zone website.
