A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data for College and University Students

2010 Census: A Snapshot 2 What: A count of everyone in the United States. Who: Everyone in the United States must be counted – both citizens and non-citizens. Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. When: Census forms will be mailed the week of March 15, 2010 to students living in a house or apartment. Census forms will be delivered to students living in a dormitory, residence hall, fraternity, or sorority house. Those census forms that are delivered need to be completed and returned to a census representative between April 1, 2010 to May 14, How: Colleges and universities, businesses, and faith-based and community organizations have partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to encourage every person in the United States to participate in the 2010 Census.

Complete and Accurate Count Why is a complete and accurate count important? –Census data determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. –Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local and tribal governments based on census data. –Census data affect college and university tuition grant and loan programs. –Census data guide local decision-makers on where to provide services and infrastructures that students rely on while living in and attending school in Philadelphia. 3

Importance of 2010 Census to College and University Students The census helps employers understand where the next generation of workers is coming from, which will influence recruitment efforts. Scientific research depends on census data. College and university students use census information for reports, statistical profiles and other research projects. Temporary census jobs are available with flexible schedules, good pay, and provide resume-building work experience for students. Census figures help establish fair-market rents and enforce fair lending practices. Participating in the census gives students a voice and the power to influence change.

2010 Census Form Easy: Shortest census form in history. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Important: Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, job training, child-care, senior centers, and more. Confidential: By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. 5

Advance Visit by the Census Bureau Initial contact by a Census Representative –Between February 1, 2010 and March 19, 2010, we will visit and establish a point of contact for each college and university. –Examples of some of the data we collect during this visit include; the expected student population at each facility, when the facility is open, and best days and time to visit.

Key Dates and Student Participation 2010 Census Day: April 1, 2010 is the official day of the population count. All 2010 Census responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. Students living in a dormitory, residence hall, sorority or fraternity house: These students will receive a 2010 Census form between April 1, 2010 to May 14, Encourage students to promptly complete their census form and return it to a census representative prior to May 14, Students living in a house or an apartment: These students will receive their 2010 Census form in the mail, at their house or apartment, the week of March 15, All students living at their house or apartment are considered one household, so only one form should be completed that includes information about ALL the people living at that address. Encourage students to promptly complete and return the form in the U.S. mail envelope provided.

Key Dates and Student Participation Students living with parents or guardians: If the student commutes to school and reside full time at their parents’ or guardians’ household, they will be counted on their parents’ or guardians’ household form. International student/non-U.S. citizen: Every person in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens.

Points for further discussion How can you help the Census Bureau? –Inform your students and staff about the arrival of census enumerators. –Ask for volunteers to be sworn in by census representatives to help with enumeration. –Provide us with a high-level point of contact for your college or university, i.e., Housing Director, Provost, etc. –Provide space to test students. Let students and staff know about possible census jobs. –Establish a Complete Count Committee –Inform students and faculty about the census and the importance of completing their census form. –Encourage students to promptly complete their census form prior to May 14, –Assure students that all information collected is confidential –Promote the census by displaying posters