NEWS LETTER
Volume XII, #4 September 22, 1997
DEREGULATION SUMMIT - SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1, 1997
President Ruffner has been working diligently with many other labor leaders including National President Wightman and State AFL-CIO President Garrison to make this a successful summit. Many Senators, Representatives and/or aids have committed to be in attendance. In addition, many other labor organizations, concerned citizen groups and utility people are planning to attend.
It is vital to our jobs, communities, reliability of service and the safety of our families and the community that the deregulation of the electrical industry, "if it's done at all," is done properly.
Please plan to attend this important summit and the capitol rally. It will be an excellent opportunity for the voice of labor to be heard. See your Local President for details.
THE 1999 MARSHALL M. HICKS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
It is time once again for eligible students to apply for the Marshall M. Hicks Memorial Scholarship which is available to sons and daughters of OM&C employees and retirees. The necessary information is outlined below.
This scholarship program was established by the Michigan State Utility Workers Council, AFL-CIO (MSUWC) for sons and daughters of MSUWC members. The annual competition is conducted through the nationwide Merit Program by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), an independent, not-for-profit organization. The Merit Program's purposes are to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students and to provide a system of services for corporations, foundations, and other organizations who wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships for outstanding students who interest them. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by NMSC.
Who is Eligible?
Only high school students who are sons and daughters of MSUWC members can compete for these scholarships. Such students also must meet all requirements for participation in the Merit Program that are published in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin that is updated annually and distributed to students through their high schools.
To participate in the program, the student must take the qualifying test, the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during the proper high school year. In general, students who spend the usual four years in grades 9 through 12 must take the PSAT/NMSQT when they are in their third year (grade 11/junior year). Students who plan to leave high school a year (or more) early to enroll in college should refer to the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin (or contact NMSC) about when to take the test. A participant also must be a U.S. citizen; or, if not now a citizen, a permanent U.S. resident (or have applied for permanent residency) and be in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. The PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin explains these and other requirements for the competition, gives detailed information about the test (including sample questions and a complete practice test), and describes the scholarship programs NMSC administers.
How Do I Enter The 1999 Marshall M. Hicks Memorial Scholarship Award Program?
To enter the competition for The Marshall M. Hicks Memorial Scholarships to be awarded in the spring of 1999, children of members who will complete high school and enroll full time in college in 1999 must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of 1997 on either October 14 or October 18, 1997.
A student who did not take the 1997 PSAT/NMSQT but who meets the other requirements for participation in the 1999 Merit Program, may still be able to enter the competition. The student must write directly to NMSC no later than January 1, 1998, to request information about possible alternate testing arrangements. If the student's letter is postmarked by this date, the request will be considered. Write to Department of Educational Services & Selection, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, llinois 60201-4897; telephone (847) 866-5100.
The student also must file an entry form directly with the MSUWC by March 1, 1998. The entry form for the 1999 competition may be obtained from James E. Davison and must be completed and mailed to: James E. Davison
How Are Winners Selected?
All Marshall M. Hicks Memorial Scholarship Award winners in 1999 will be chosen from a group of candidates who (1) score high on the 1997 PSAT/NMSQT and (2) will be notified by NMSC in the fall of 1998 that they may receive further consideration for a scholarship by meeting several academic and other requirements set by NMSC. These students and their high school principals will complete applications that include biographical and academic information that must be filed with NMSC. Scholarship winners will be chosen on a competitive basis and without regard to family financial circumstances. An NMSC committee of professionals trained in selection will choose the winners by evaluating each eligible student's academic record throughout high school, significant activities and contributions to the school and community, test scores, the school's recommendation of the candidate, and the student's self-description of interests and goals. In most cases, winners will be notified in March 1999. All winners are notified directly, prior to any public announcement that may be made about the recipients.
What Is the Amount of the Award?
Each MSUWC scholarship stipend is $1000 per year for up to four years of college undergraduate study or until baccalaureate degree requirements are completed, whichever occurs first. The winner's annual stipend will not be affected by other scholarship aid or by an approved change in college.
What Are My Obligations and Responsibilities If I Win?
The formal offer of a Marshall M. Hicks Memorial Scholarship that NMSC sends to each winner specifies terms for acceptance and continuation of the award. A winner must enter college in the fall term following selection and must enroll as a full-time undergraduate in a college or university in the United States that holds accredited status with a regional accrediting commission on higher education. (Scholarship stipends are not payable for attendance at service academies and certain institutions that are limited in their purposes or training.) Also, the winner must attend college during the day and enroll in a course of study leading to one of the traditional baccalaureate degrees, and must remain in good academic and disciplinary standing.
Who Handles Scholarship Procedures?
All phases of the competition, including the selection of winners and payment of scholarship stipends are handled for the MSUWC by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Who Can Answer Any Questions I May Have?
Questions may be addressed to:
Timothy E. McGuire
Vice President -- Sponsor Services
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, Illinois 60201-4897
(847) 866-5119
FAX (847) 866-5115
UPDATE ON CLOTHING ARBITRATION - ARBITRATOR GRANTS COUNCIL'S GRIEVANCE!!
On September 10, 1997 a meeting was held in Jackson to determine how to proceed with the terms and conditions of Arbitrator Patton's favorable award. One of the stipulations is that the Union shall cooperate in conducting hazard analyses. President Ruffner has appointed Executive Vice President Reilly to attend the meetings and report to the Executive Board. November 1, 1997 is the committee's targeted deadline to conclude these analyses and make a recommendation.
IS YOUR ADDRESS CORRECT?
Please help us clean up our mailing list and save money. Let us know if you are receiving duplicate mailings or if there is an error in your address. We would be most grateful if you could write our office or let your Union representative know.
