The United States Census is a governmental mandate designed to count the population of the United States and its five territories. This data the census collects is then used by over one hundred and thirty federal offices to determine the distribution of over $675 billion of federal funds; however, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, many university students and their parents have questions. How do I fill out the form? If I was studying abroad, do I still count? I was living on campus, but now that I am home, what address should I fill out?
Below you will find several important details surrounding the 2020 census as well as a link to follow with additional information.
- Students should fill out their census form as if they never left their campus.
- Indiana University has decided to provide the census with the Name, Residence Hall Address, and Date of Birth of all students who were living on campus during the 2019-2020 school year. Other data, such as race and sex, will not be provided. This data is enough for the student to “count” and enough information for the Census Bureau to catch any duplicates. Students do not need to fill out their census form unless they wish to provide additional data.
- Students who were studying abroad but have returned by April 1, should fill out a census form and use their campus address. If students have returned after April 1, they are not required to fill out a census form.
- International students who were living on campus, but have returned to their home country will be counted in the 2020 census. Their Name, Residence Hall Address, and Date of Birth will be provided along with the non-international students.
- Parents should NOT count their children on their census form if they were living in a residence hall during the 2019-2020 school year.
- There is NO QUESTION regarding citizenship or citizenship status on the 2020 census.
For more information, please visit census.iu.edu.