More snack options are coming to the Student Union as early as next year  — including Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Students will be able to enjoy the specialty treats and beverages that make for the perfect snack between classes.
Next fall, students can expect to see an Auntie Anne’s Pretzels in the Union and a passport office as part of the Career Services renovation. A frozen yogurt stand, dry cleaners, pharmacy and optometrist are being considered to fill retail space when the renovation is complete.
“Auntie Anne’s Pretzels is close to a done deal,” said William Baumgardner, a Student Government senator. “The Tiger Card Office will move where the bank is, which will open up a space for a new food vendor.”
By April 2014, Auntie Anne’s will be part of the complete construction phase of Career Services, and the summer will be spent designing the store so it fits corporate design standards, said LSU Auxiliary Services Director of Retail Development and Technology Stephen Barr. He said Auntie Anne’s will be open be by the start of next school year.
“A passport office will definitely be added to the Union offerings,” said Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Margot Carroll. “That will be in place by next year.”
It is not finalized who will be offering the service — RICOH Mail and Copy Services or the Tiger Card Office — but the Tiger Card Office is the most likely location because it has the technology to take passport photographs, Carroll said.
The passport office will act as a middle man between students and the U.S. Department of State. Students will fill out paperwork and take their photo in the Union, and all materials will be sent to the Department of State to be processed. A new passport will be sent back to the Union for pickup.
Carroll said Auxiliary Services is currently investigating certifications for workers before the passport office can move forward.
With the Career Services renovation, Auxiliary Services is considering more services that can come to the Union.
“[Auxiliary Services] is currently brainstorming ideas of other retail spaces in the Union,” Carroll said.
A frozen yogurt vendor, a dry cleaner, an optometrist and a pharmacy, which would work closely with the Student Health Center, are all in talks of services coming to the Union.
“More market analysis must be done,” Carroll said. “[Auxiliary Services] wants to make sure we put services that are necessary.”
The Office of Auxiliary Services is working closely with the Office of Procurement Services, putting together research and surveys to gauge the interest of students. By January, students will be able to take surveys about services they want in the Union.
SG will play a prominent role in bringing new ideas to Auxiliary Services, as it is the liaison between the student body and administration.
“Everything will have a resolution,” Baumgardner said. “We can take that resolution to whomever and say ‘students want this.’”