Communications

Date: April 5, 2010

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer
Subject: How to Respond to the U.S. Census

Dear Students:

The United States census, which occurs by law every 10 years, is now under way. Most of you will need to fill out your own forms instead of being reported on your parents’ forms.

Please fill out your form as soon as possible and return it according to the guidelines below. Filling out the form is quick, easy, and represents one small – but important – aspect of our civic duties.

Here are the important things to know about the census:

IF YOU LIVE OFF GROUNDS

Please check your local mail for the census form, which was mailed around mid-March. One resident in a house or apartment should complete the form and list everyone living within the residence. Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential by the U.S. Census Bureau and will not be shared with any local, state or national organization.

You should list your local, Charlottesville-area address on the census form.

If you live in a fraternity or sorority house, you will not have to fill out an individual form. The chapter president or house manager will be responsible for reporting the residents of the fraternity or sorority house.

IF YOU LIVE ON GROUNDS

You should have received a census form directly from your Resident Advisor. Please fill out the form by Tuesday, April 6, at the latest and return it to your RA.

You should list your local mailing address on the census form.

IF YOU ARE STUDYING ABROAD

For the purpose of the census, study abroad is considered “a temporary stay away from one's usual residence.” If you are studying abroad, your parents should list you on the census form they received at their home.

IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Because the census is a count of everyone in the United States, international students are asked to complete the form as well. Citizenship is not a factor in completing the form.

JOBS WITH THE CENSUS

The Census Bureau is now hiring summer workers to be based in the Charlottesville area and work in central Virginia, primarily going door to door calling on citizens who did not return census forms. More information is available at 2010censusjobs.gov.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have questions about U.Va.’s participation in the census, please see the Web site or contact the Office of Community Relations at communityrelations@virginia.edu.

Thank you for your participation in the census. The census is a vital planning tool, used in making such important decisions as federal funding allocations, Congressional representation and the provision of services such as roads, bridges and bike paths.