U.S. Census- How to Respond?
Wildcat Parents,
There may be a lot of confusion about how students should be counted on the 2020 Census, due in part to all the uncertainty we are living through right now. We want to help you and your students with any questions they may have about the Census.
Almost all UA students should be counted where they live for school. Remember, the Census is a snapshot of where people live at a point in time. It has nothing to do with residency, dependency, voter registration, citizenship, taxes ...
If you already completed the Census for your household you may have included your Wildcat and clicked the box indicating that they live away at school. That box is to alert the Census folks to be on the lookout for your student to complete the Census at another address.
Here are the guidelines we are sharing with your students:
On-campus students, even if you recently left the dorm:
Because you live, or lived, in one of the residence halls for the most of the last year, the University will automatically count you in the 2020 Census. You do not need to take any further action, except letting your parents know that you’ve been counted at school.
Off-campus students, even those who have left for their permanent residence:
You should have received an invitation in the mail to participate in the Census at your off campus address. The Census Bureau recommends that you respond online. If you need help completing your Census questionnaire, or you don’t have your Census ID, you can call the Census Bureau at 1-844-330-2020 or visit census.arizona.edu. You should complete your Census, even if your parents indicated you were part of their household on their Census form. The Census Bureau will identify duplicates and be sure the count is accurate.
International students:
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States on April 1—no matter where they are from, or why they are here in the United States. This includes international students.
By the way, although April 1 was officially "Census Day," you can complete the Census any time through (at least) July. As soon as it is safe to do so, the Census Bureau will begin going door-to-door to identify people at addresses they haven't heard from. Filling out the form online prevents the knock on the door.
The Census Bureau recently put together the video for college students. It is excellent and answers a lot of questions.
If you still have questions please contact me!
Julie Katsel
UA Gov't & Community Relations
Mom of 2 current WCs and 2 future WCs