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2020 Census: University of Central Arkansas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Census?

  • The Census is a required count of all people in the United States that must be performed every 10 years and is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. 

Why does the Census matter?

  • Census data are used to make decisions about how and where to spend more than $800 billion each year for programs and services that communities rely on. The census population count is used to determine representation in Congress and the Electoral College. Simply put, communities that are undercounted are disadvantaged economically and politically. 

  • Communities also use census data for planning purposes. Census data help local leaders make planning decisions about where municipal services should be located, whether they should expand, and what kinds of services should be offered based on the characteristics of the community.

When and how do I complete the Census?

  • General Census responses will begin in March 2020. You can respond by mail, phone, or online. If you do not reply or if the information you provided is incomplete, a Census Enumerator will conduct a follow-up visit to your residence. July 31st is the last day to respond!

What about International students?

  • International students are counted in the 2020 Census! International students who live on campus will be included in UCA's Group Quarters Enumeration, and those who live off-campus will need to self-respond. The library can provide assistance to anyone who needs it!

Is my data confidential?

  • Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information collected on the census, including any information about citizenship status. The law prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing personal census responses with any other government agency, court of law, or private entity, for any purpose, including law enforcement. violations. The law prohibits personally identifiable information collected by the Census Bureau from being used against respondents by any government agency or court.

Is the citizenship question on the Census?

  • No, the citizenship question will not be on the Census. Three federal courts have blocked attempts to get this question on the Census.

What information will NOT be collected on the Census?

  • 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.

  • If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau asks you for one of these things, you may be the target or victim of a scam.

What is new on the 2020 Census?

  • Online Self-Response: For the first time, the Census Bureau will promote online response as the preferred method. People without access to the internet will be able to still respond via phone or mail. 

  • Household Relationship Question: For the first time, the 2020 Census offers a way for the person filling out the form to indicate a same-sex relationship with another household member. This change is expected to improve national statistics on same-sex couples. 

  • Race Question: There will be new write-in areas for white and black origins for the race question. For example, for White - German, Irish, English etc. and for Black - Jamaican, Nigerian, Somali, etc.