Students, employers share special relationship

By PHILLIP D. WIEST
Collegian Staff Writer

Standing behind a counter in the back of McLanahan Student Store, Reuben Confer was busy inserting change through a machine to be counted. Although he has many duties, he enjoys the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

Confer (senior-integrative arts), who manages 23 credits and works 40 hours a week, is grateful that his managers are lenient with his academic responsibilities.

In addition to the many stresses of a college career, many University students, like Confer, find themselves facing the additional responsibilities of their employment. Good relations between employers and employees help balance the added stresses and the overwhelming circumstances that may plague students.

"School is most important for my employees," said Ray Agostinelli, general manager of McLanahan Student Store, 414 E. College Ave. "Their education is why they are here."

Agostinelli, who employs 90 to 100 students, said although he needs the help, he does not like his student employees working more than 20 hours per week -- but there are some exceptions. "The average student here works about 12 hours per week."

At McLanahan's, Agostinelli said some students begin working when they are freshmen and stay until they graduate.

Confer, who has worked at McLanahan's for three years, said because the store is for students, the managers try and accommodate the students who work there.

John Skumanich, general manager of Chili's Southwestern Grill and Bar, 139 S. Allen St., said he maintains a good, working relationship with his employees.

"We try to be down to earth with our student employees," Skumanich said. "Their jobs benefit both of us so we respect them for the job they do for us."

Jim Hamilton, a manager of Chili's, said he respects students' class schedules. Many employers do not have difficulties working out conflicts between classes and work.

"For the most part, students work out their problems amongst themselves," Hamilton said.

Tracy Sabol (senior-broadcast cable) agreed. She said Chili's was unlike other places she has worked.

"The managers are more like friends and they don't look down on us, but we know our limits," she said.

Another local business also finds a compatable relationship between employer and employee.

Nathan Rhodes, assistant manager of McDonald's Restaurant, 442 E. College Ave., categorizes his relationship with his employees as a family.

"We all get along great," Rhodes said. "Our relationship is open like a friendship, but we stick together and work together just like a family."

Rhodes claimed that some students have been at McDonald's for seven years while others might only stay for two months.

Mike Larrimore (senior-psychology), who has worked at McDonald's for eight months, said "the environment around here is usually laid back. The weekends can be a pain, but you get use to it."

And Lori Young (sophomore-civil engineering), who has worked at McDonald's as a cashier for five months, said although she must keep busy, she enjoys her job.

"The atmosphere is friendly, fun and nice," Young said. "If there are instances when I have a test or something, the managers are flexible about school and classes."

Rachel Gilpin (senior-administration of justice), who has been working at Chili's since November, said she felt the same way about Chili's.

"We are a very team-oriented group," she said. "There's good relationships and good times."