The 2010 U.S. Census must get an accurate count of everyone living in the U.S., including domestic and international students attending Elon University. Students living away from home while attending college will be counted at their on-campus or off-campus address, not at their parent’s address. Completing the census here will not affect a student’s residency in his or her home state. Students residing on campus should complete the census forms in their area office (Greek Life Office in Moseley for those residing in Loy Center) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 31 or April 1. Off-campus students should have recently received a census form in the mail. All students living at the address are considered one household, so roommates should fill out a single form.
For Elon University Students
Frequently Asked Questions about the Census
1. What is the census?
The census is a count of everyone in the United States, both citizens and non-citizens.
2. Why is it important?
The census is a vitally important undertaking. The population determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and how more than $400 billion is distributed to local and state governments over the next 10 years.
The census determines how tax dollars from the federal government are allocated locally for public services, transportation and road repairs, hospitals, locations for new schools, college grant and loan programs. The census also provides important data for research conducted by students and faculty. It’s essential to Elon, Burlington and local areas that all residents, including students, are counted.
3. How do students living on campus complete the census form?
Go to your area office (East, West, North, Danieley Center, Colonnades, and the Oaks), or the Greek Life Office in Moseley if you reside in the Loy Center, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 or Thursday, April 1 to complete your individual Census form.
Area office locations are available here:
http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/residence_life/typesofhousing/tohareaoffices.xhtml
4. How are students living in off-campus housing counted?
A Census form should have been delivered or mailed to your house or apartment during March. All students living at the address are considered one household, so only you and your roommates should fill out a single form and include information about all the people living at that address. One student should be appointed head of house and there is room for the rest of the occupants to fill in their information as well. The remaining occupants should mark roommate (not-related) when asked what their relationship is to the head of house. Once completed, return the form in the U.S. mail envelope provided by April 1, 2010. For students who do not receive mail at their off-campus residence, check www.uscensus.gov for the locations of questionnaire assistant centers and “Be Counted” boxes in the community.
5. How are students who live with parents or guardians counted?
If you live full-time at your parents’ or guardians’ house, you should be accounted for on their census form.
6. What if I am an international student and not a U.S. citizen? Do I participate?
Yes. Everyone in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens.
7. What if I am studying abroad in spring 2010?
If you are studying or living abroad on April 1, 2010, you will not be counted in the 2010 census.
8. Will filling out the census affect the status of my state residency?
No. Even if you fill out the form with your local address, this will not change your status for future graduate school applications, etc.
9. Is this information shared with anyone?
No. By law, the census bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone.
Please fill out your census form before April 1. It provides vital information for our country and our local communities