As 2020 Census forms begin arriving in mailboxes around the country, it’s time for Saint Mary’s students to help shape the future of the United States. Even though you may be living in a different location or have moved home, you still should be counted as part of the Minnesota community.
Census responses impact funding allocations for schools, roads, and other resources like federal grant and aid programs. Results also decide Minnesota’s number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and congressional and legislative districts.
Taking time to respond to the Census accurately is critical for our local community and state.
In the wake of COVID-19, the federal government recently updated its guidance on how college and university students should respond to the census. Here’s what Cardinals need to know:
- Students who were living on campus or lived on campus before the residence halls closed, do not need to respond to the census. They will be counted by the university.
- Undergraduate students in Winona who were living in an off-campus apartment or home, but are now temporarily living at another location, should respond using the address where they lived before they left Winona by visiting my2020census.org and entering the 12-digit code received in the mail. If you don’t have a code, click “Start Questionnaire,” and there is an option to indicate that you do not have a Census ID. Ideally, one person should respond on behalf of everyone living in the house. If it is not possible to coordinate with roommates, everyone should respond, and the Census Bureau will eliminate duplicate responses.
- Undergraduate students in Winona currently living in off-campus residences should choose one person to respond on behalf of everyone living in the house. If it is not possible to coordinate with roommates, everyone should respond, and the Census Bureau will eliminate duplicate responses.
- International students should follow the guidelines above that apply, regardless of their whereabouts after classes went online or their permanent residency.
- Students who were studying abroad and have returned to the United States by April 1, should be counted where they are currently living.
- Students at the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs should visit my2020census.org and enter the 12-digit code received in the mail. If you don’t have a code, click “Start Questionnaire,” and there is an option to indicate that you do not have a Census ID.
Need more information? Watch this video: What College Students Needs to Know to be Counted in the Right Place.