Not every summer job in State College is the typical summer job -- it might not end when fall arrives.

Many downtown restaurant employers are looking for people who can continue to work in the fall because it is one of the most hectic times of the year in Happy Valley.

Football weekends usually bring about 800 to 900 people to Baby's Burgers and Shakes Restaurant, 131 S. Garner St., and for that reason, Baby's manager Paul Payerchin said he tries to hire people that will stay for the fall.

Baby's is not the only restaurant that is looking for a longer commitment from students looking for summer employment.

John Leedy, operations manager at the Tavern Restaurant, 220 E. College Ave., said that because June is the restaurant's slow month, it is the best time to train people for the influx in business that they will experience in the fall. This may not be an ideal job for students that are only staying in State College for the summer to work.

"We are only able to offer 10 to 15 hours a week and we hire only if the person is able to make the commitment to work in the fall," he said.

Some students planning to stay for the summer think the employers' expectations of a long-term commitment is unfair.

Nikki Atkison (senior-psychology) said, "I think it's wrong because it's not giving every student an equal opportunity to work. And some people need those jobs because they pay for school."

Lee King, director of human resources for The Corner Room, 100 W. College Ave., said the restaurant values long-term employment because it results in a stronger training program. King added the restaurant looks for a nine-month commitment from prospective employees.

Kristin Williams (junior-agricultural education) said she is not discouraged by local employment practices.

"I wouldn't have a problem with working into the fall at all," she said.

Some employers find it difficult to ensure that the person they hire will really adhere to such a commitment.

"Some people scam and act like they will work in the fall," Leedy said.

Although long-term commitment policies seem to be pervasive, there are State College employers that do offer the typical summer job.

Georgetta Walker, assistant manager at CC Peppers, 434 E. College Ave., said, "It doesn't matter. Summer people can stay for only the summer or they can stay longer. There are always options."

The chance of employment increases in the summer at some places. Michael McCollim, general manager at Gumby's Pizza, 300 Pugh St.,said that it is easier to gain a position as a driver during the summer than it is in the fall.

"Several people who work on the inside staff here aren't students so we don't lose them during the summer," McCollim said. "But on the other hand, we lose about half of the drivers."