2010 Census Coming to Georgia's Universities

By: Robert Shostak, President of UGA's Graduate Student Association

This year the U.S. Census Bureau will conduct the 2010 Census, the counting of everyone living in America. The transitory and mobile lives of university students produce many challenges of counting college students living in these communities. Additionally, students can become confused about how they are to participate in the Census and be accurately counted. Some frequently asked questions of students include: Do my parents record me on the Census? Should my roommate(s), and I fill out one Census form or multiple forms? Should international students fill out the Census? How and when will I receive my Census form? What is even the purpose and significance of the Census? This article provides clear answers to these questions to aid Georgia's university students, faculty, and staff in how to correctly participate in the Census count, which benefits their community.

• Do my parents record me on the Census form sent to their house? NO. The Census form clearly states parents should not record their son or daughter if they are away at school. This means all college students must fill out their own Census form unless they are currently living with their guardians.
• I live with several roommates, do we each fill out our own form? NO. The Census will send an apartment only one form. This means if you live with 1 or even 5 roommates you need to put all their information on one form.
• I live in the on-campus residence halls, do I need to fill out the Census? YES. Your university's housing department will be organizing how the Census forms will be passed out and returned. Please talk with your Resident Assistant or Housing staff to find out more details.
• I'm an international student, should I fill out the Census form? YES. The Census Bureau seeks to count all people living in the United States regardless of their citizen or legal status.
• What is the purpose of the 2010 Census and why should I participate? The 2010 Census determines congressional representation from each state and will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels, and roads. Through your participation you help your university's local community prosper and grow.
• When will I receive my 2010 Census form and when should I return it? You should receive the Census form either by mail or by your on-campus residence hall staff in mid-March 2010. The forms should be sent back by April 1, 2010.

Through these Census-taking tips, Georgia's university students can be accurately represented and directly help the local communities in which they live in, and in which they attend school. For more information about the 2010 Census, visit the Census Bureau's website at www.2010census.gov . Students interested in part-time work with the U.S. Census Bureau should call their toll free number at 1-866-861-2010.