Do I need to complete the census?
Do I need to fill out a census form if I lived in a residence hall earlier this year? What about if I live off-campus?
April 1 is officially census day, but the 2020 Census is already under way. Everyone needs to be counted, and it’s never been easier. Make sure you are counted where you normally live because those responses impact billions of dollars in federal funding that will be distributed for services that affect you.
Our students who normally live on campus in a UA residence hall or in Greek housing — like all college students living in on-campus housing — are counted through their university as part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Group Quarters Operation, which counts all students living in university-owned housing.
Due to the COVID-19 virus and the changes put in place to protect our students and employees, we know many of our residence hall students have returned to their parents’ homes, or are living with friends. Even so, if you live the majority of the year in a UA residence hall or in Greek housing, UA is working with the Census Bureau to count you.
However, if you normally live in an apartment or a house alone, or with roommates or others, you should receive an invitation in the mail to respond to the census. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Whatever method you choose, make sure you use your normal address where you usually live while you're in school. You should also include everyone else who normally lives there, too.
if you usually live with your parents during the school year, they should include you when they respond to the census.