WMU students urged to participate in U.S. Census

College students filling out the 2020 U.S. Census.
Posted by Joy Brown on

A need-to-know fact for Western Michigan University students: Seemingly disparate things such as policing levels, road repairs, the location of your favorite Target store, birth control coverage and political representation all have one thing in common—the U.S. Census.

In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with information on how to respond to the 2020 census.

Video of 2020 Census PSA: How Do I Take The 2020 Census? (:20)

What’s the big deal? As it turns out, students count a great deal and should be counted when it comes to this important national tally. The official count on April 1 that records where everyone lives will ultimately affect all of us.

It helps determine federal monetary allocations for everything from Title I reading programs for children who need extra help, to congressional districting that determines who casts votes for us in Washington, D.C., on matters such as gun legislation, war powers and taxes. Safety, money and health care—the census impacts all of these vital areas and more.

The quasi transient nature of college student life is no cause for complacency. So, then, who should fill out a census questionnaire and who shouldn’t? Let’s clear up the housing-related confusion about post-secondary students and the 2020 decennial U.S. Census:

  • College students living away from their parents’ or guardians’ home while at school in the U.S. will be counted at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time.
  • International students should also fill out a census questionnaire and be counted.
  • Those who live in student housing – dormitories, residence halls, apartment-style housing and fraternity/sorority houses recognized by the college or university – do not need to respond to the census to be counted. A school administrator will provide the official count of students living on campus.
  • Students who live in off-campus locations, such as in apartments not affiliated with school-sanctioned student housing, should participate. They are encouraged to gather roommates (include those who aren’t students) and have one person collectively fill out the questionnaire for all of them. The feds are seeking one filled-out form from each household.
  • Commuter students who live at their parents’ or guardians’ home should be counted by a parent or guardian.
  • College students who are U.S. citizens but living outside the United States while attending school will not be counted on the U.S. Census.

Since the census is so important, how do we access it? Beginning April 1, we can:

  • Embrace the old school method. Fill out the form that’s mailed to us and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided;
  • Go green. Fill out the online form using the mailing address label information and PIN; or
  • Get social. Wait until census workers come to our residence, and then ask them what their feelings are about this year’s Super Bowl halftime show while they record our census answers.

The U.S. Census won’t ask for sensitive facts such as social security numbers or citizenship status, and will only take about 10 minutes to complete, depending on the number of people who live with you.

Looking for a great-paying summer job? Collecting important statistical information isn’t the only benefit to the census. Temporary job opportunities abound, and they pay very well. The U.S. Census’ employment page has more details.

For more information about the U.S. Census, visit its website.