The 2010 Census is almost here, and Census Bureau officials hope to get an accurate count of everyone living in the United States on April 1, 2010 — including students attending Washington University in St. Louis.
The goal of the census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010.
The important thing for students and their parents to remember is that if students live away from their home while attending college, students are counted at their on-campus or off-campus address — not at their parent’s address. Also, completing the census here will not affect students’ residency in their home state.
The census is confidential. It is against the law for census data to be shared.
The census is a vitally important undertaking. The population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how billions of dollars are allocated to local and state governments over the next 10 years.
It is essential to University City, Clayton and the City of St. Louis that all residents, including students, are counted. The census determines how tax dollars from the federal government are sent back to local community for public services, transportation and road repairs as well as college grant and loan programs. Those cities need all Washington University students to be counted.
The following information can help WUSTL students better navigate the census:
How are students living on campus counted?
Students living in a dormitory, residence hall or a fraternity house should have received a 2010 Census form, which was mailed earlier this month. There is no need to mail the form, simply complete it and turn it in to a Resident Advisor (RA). If for some reason a student hasn’t received a form, he or she should contact an RA.
How are students living in off-campus housing counted?
All residences should have received a census form in the mail. All students living at the address are considered one household, so only one form should be completed that includes information about all the people living there. Return the form in the U.S. mail envelope provided.
How are students who live with parents or guardians counted?
Students living full-time at a parent’s or guardian’s house should be accounted for on their parents’ or guardians’ census form.
What if I am an international student and not a U.S. citizen? Do I participate?
Yes. Everyone in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races and ethnic groups and citizens and noncitizens.
What if I am studying abroad in spring 2010?
Students studying or living abroad on April 1, 2010, will not be counted in the 2010 Census.
Is this information shared with anyone?
No. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondent’s answers with anyone.
For more information, visit 2010.census.gov/2010census, which includes a section specifically geared to college students.