Lauren Julian joined Auxiliary Services as director of customer experience in November 2023. In the role, she leads and facilitates Food Services initiatives and supports other units in the department, which include Parking and Transportation Services, Surplus, the Natatorium, the Center for Young Children and more.

Lauren Julian. Photo provided by Auxiliary ServicesIU Indianapolis Today spoke to Julian about her team’s accomplishments over the past year, goals for 2025, and her message for staff, faculty and students.

Question: What are some of the major goals that your team has accomplished since you joined Auxiliary Services?

Answer: One of the big things is bringing three different grab-and-go markets to the dorms, so students can get a sandwich, burrito, veggie snack pack or similar fresh items. That has been huge, because they don’t have to leave to go to Tower Dining to get something to eat.

Last semester Copperhead Jack’s, Einstein Bagels and Tea’s Me Café opened in the Campus Center. Tea’s Me is locally owned by Tamika Catchings, and we’re super excited to work with her to make the cafe a place for students to gather. A program run by Catchings and her team will also give students an opportunity to get business experience by working at the café and learning how to run and operate such an establishment.

We have also extended some hours in the Campus Center, and the market is open on the weekends.

Q: What new ideas or initiatives are you pursuing moving forward?

A: We’re working with our surplus team to better serve students, faculty and staff by raising awareness of surplus services. These services offer discounted, sustainable shopping options for items no longer needed by IU Indianapolis but still useful. To gather input, we’ve launched a survey on surplus sale preferences.

Currently, items are redistributed within the IU system, sold on the GovDeals website or auctioned onsite multiple times a year. We’re also exploring ways to open the surplus store directly to students in the future.

I’m also passionate about developing ways to encourage students to stay and hang out on campus when they’re not in class. I want to build on some of our markets throughout campus and provide more gathering spaces. We’re always watching for trends and success stories at other schools, and love talking to students about what they want.

Q: Are there opportunities for students to be involved with Auxiliary Services?

A: Yes, we have internships where students can get experience in a variety of areas, from finance to graphic design to sports marketing and more. Our student interns have been able to participate in some really cool experiences through their internships, like attending the Olympic swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Internship opportunities are posted on Handshake, and students can also apply to work at the Natatorium or Center for Young Children. Our office also leads the mascot program, which is open to current students.

Q: Is there any message you’d like to share with the campus community?

A: I want to encourage everyone not to settle for the status quo simply because “that’s how it’s always been.” Your voice matters, and I’m here to listen. Whether it’s positive feedback, constructive criticism or anything in between, I want to hear it so I can work to make your campus experience the best it can be.

Your insights help me succeed in serving you better. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at ljulian@iu.edu. Or you can also share your thoughts or ideas anonymously through the Auxiliary Services contact form. Together, we will make a difference.