Census 2020

What is the Census?

Every ten years, America counts every person who is living in the country. The census collects information that determines federal funding and congressional representation. For Miami students, this includes federal financial aid, community mental health services, research grants, and much more. Your response to the 2020 Census will help make sure communities across the nation are accurately funded and represented for the next decade.

The census is easy, safe, and important.

News

How safe? 

The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life.

Your individual information is kept locked away for 72 years! Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.

The Census Bureau will never ask you for:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Money or donations
  • Anything on behalf of a political party
  • Your bank or credit card account numbers

Where should I fill it out?

You should be counted at your Miami / Oxford address, even if you have been displaced by COVID-19. The census collects information about where you predominantly live and since our students mostly live in Oxford during the year, that is where you should be counted.

Unless you are a commuter student living with your parents, tell your parents NOT to count you on the census.

What if I was on a study abroad program that was canceled or recalled?

If you were on a recalled or canceled study abroad program this spring, you should now be counted where you are currently living. 

How do I fill out the census?

That depends!

If you live on campus, Miami will complete the census for you.

If you live in off-campus housing, you can respond online, by phone, or by mail. This year, your response is more important than ever. While you may have moved back home for the semester due to COVID-19 developments, the Census Bureau has confirmed that you should be counted at your school address where you spent most of the spring semester so far.

Only one person at the address should do the census and report every person at the address. Determine which person will complete the census for your address.

If you are an international student, the same rules apply.

When do I fill out the census?

Online links to fill out the census went live on March 12. Residents should have received official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. You will receive reminders in the mail March through May.

In May, phone and in person follow ups will begin if you have not filled it out by that time.

 

Where can I find out more? 

For more information, visit 2020census.gov or the City of Oxford Census page.