Census 2010
The 2010 Census is fast approaching! The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.
According to U.S. regulations, people are counted where they live and sleep most of the year. This means you will receive a census questionnaire at your college address, either on-campus or off-campus, not at your parents' address or at your home address. Unless you live with your parents and commute to campus, this is where you should fill out the form. Everyone is required to complete the census: undergraduates, graduate students, U.S. students, and international students, as well as graduating seniors and others who plan to leave the area at the end of the semester.
Why It’s Important
The results of the census determine how federal funds are allocated to states and to communities. This can affect college tuition grant and loan money, research done on campus by faculty and by students, the number of congressional representatives assigned to our state and many other critical services that affect college students. Historically, however, college students have low participation in the census and this has a direct impact on their lives while in college and in the future. Make a difference this year. It's in your hands!
How To Do Your Part
- You will receive a census form at either your on-campus or local off-campus residence. You should only be counted on your parent or guardian's form if you live at home with them and commute to school.
- You will have to answer only seven or ten questions and it should take you about ten minutes to complete the form.
- After you have filled out your form, mail it back if you live off campus, or follow your Residence Hall procedure for returning your forms if you are on-campus. (The form cannot be filled out online; currently, the U.S. Census Bureau does not have an online option.)
- Your answers are confidential. The university doesn't have access to your census forms and by law the individual census records are not shared with anyone, including with other federal agencies or with law enforcement. Read more about privacy and confidentiality and the Census.
Student to Student Resources
UMass Amherst students will be available at the following locations to answer questions about the importance of filling out the census and who is eligible to do so, and to provide bilingual support in Chinese and Korean languages.
March 29–April 1 (Monday – Thursday)
- Campus Center Concourse
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. - The Integrated Sciences
and Engineering Library
7:00–9:00 p.m. - Lincoln Apartments
7:00–9:00 p.m. (Monday, March 29 only) - North Village Apartments
7:00–9:00 p.m. (Tuesday, March 30 only)
April 12–15 (Monday – Thursday)
- Campus Center Concourse
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. - The W.E. B. Du Bois Library
2:00–4:00 p.m. and 9:00–11:00 p.m.