Make your voice heard in the 2020 Census. It’s a safe and secure way to obtain federal funding for our state’s future. This money means better health care, schools, roads, job opportunities and more. Every 10 years, the U.S. Census is sent to every household in the country. The Census is a count of everyone residing in the U.S. The Census counts every person living in Alabama once, only once, and in the right place. It contains 10 simple questions and only takes six minutes to complete. Students are counted where they spend most of their time, which means that the majority of University of Montevallo students will be counted in our community. Per the Census Bureau’s residence criteria, Montevallo students temporarily living away from campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic should still be counted for the state of Alabama.
Take the 2020 Census online
Why the Census counts
Many Alabamians directly benefit from the federal programs whose funding allocations are determined in part by Census data. In fact, every Alabamian counted in the 2010 Census brought $16,000 back to Alabama total over the last 10 years. Completing a 2020 Census form will help ensure that Alabama receives its fair share of funding.
The results of the Census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats Alabama gets. Alabama is currently at risk of losing a Congressional representative in the 2020 Census due to projected slow growth. That means one less voice for Alabama values at the federal level. We need maximum 2020 Census participation to retain our current Congressional representation.
The University of Montevallo is counting on you
Completing the 2020 Census ensures our area receives the right share of federal resources which help federal, state and local leaders plan and allocate resources for the future.
The federal monies returned to Alabama support school lunches, Pell grants, SNAP-Ed, educational programs and grants, senior programs, head start and help fund infrastructure projects.
How to be counted
There are three ways to respond to the 2020 Census: internet, phone or mail. It only takes about six minutes to complete. Be counted and go to 2020Census.gov to fill out your Census survey. Learn more about completing the Census here.
Discover the ways that the 2020 Census impacts the University of Montevallo, Shelby County and its residents and how your participation matters.
2020 Census Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2020 Census work?
What will the 2020 Census ask me?
How are students living on campus counted?
How are students living off campus counted?
I’m a faculty and staff member, what do I do?
I’m a student, so can my parents do this for me?
I’m a parent of a student, what do I do?
What if I’m an out-of-state student?
What if I’m an international student and not a U.S. citizen? Do I participate in the 2020 Census?
Will the U.S. Census Bureau share my information?
Sounds good, can I take it now?
How does the 2020 Census work?
In March, the U.S. Census Bureau mailed a packet to every Alabama household. It included information on how to complete your census form in three ways:
- Online via computer or smart phone at my2020census.gov.
- Call a toll-free number and complete it over the phone with a U.S. Census Bureau employee.
- Call the toll-free number and request a traditional paper form.
What will the 2020 Census ask me?
The survey includes simple questions about age, sex and the number of people who live in your home. The 2020 Census will not ask for Social Security numbers, bank or credit card numbers, money or donations or anything related to political parties. If you are uncomfortable answering any of the questions, fill out as much of the survey as possible. You will still be counted.
How are students living on campus counted?
Per the Census Bureau’s residence criteria, Montevallo students temporarily living away from campus due to the COIVD-19 pandemic should still be counted for the state of Alabama. If you live in a residence hall, on your behalf Housing and Residence Life staff members will complete the Group Quarters survey with directory information about you. The Group Quarters is a portion of the U.S. Census for on-campus housing, nursing homes and correctional facilities. Non-directory information will be provided in aggregate. No student information will be shared for those who indicated to keep their records confidential.
How are students living off campus counted?
Per the Census Bureau’s residence criteria, Montevallo students temporarily living away from campus due to the COIVD-19 pandemic should still be counted for the state of Alabama. We advise you to complete the 2020 Census online. If you own or rent off campus, count yourself at that address, even if you spend time in another state during university breaks. Remember to include you and all your roommates on the same form since the Census is counting the people in your “household.”
I’m a faculty and staff member, what do I do?
Count everyone living in your home as of April 1. That includes family members, children, renters or friends who live there most of the time.
I’m a student, is this something my parents can do for me?
No, this is not something your parents can do for you. Please fill out the 2020 Census on your own.
I’m a parent of a student, what do I do?
If your college student lives at home with you, count them as a part of your household. If they live off-campus (in an apartment or other housing), please have the student fill out the 2020 Census on their own so they are counted where they reside. If they live on-campus in a residence hall, they will be counted by the University in the Group Quarters survey.
What if I’m an out-of-state student?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, if you’re a Montevallo student residing in Alabama (regardless of in-state or out-of-state status) then you’re an Alabama resident.
What if I’m an international student and not a U.S. citizen? Do I need to participate in the 2020 Census?
Yes. Everyone in the U.S. must be counted. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, if you’re residing in Alabama (regardless of in-state or out-of-state status) then you’re an Alabama resident. Per the Census Bureau’s residence criteria, Montevallo students temporarily living away from campus due to the COIVD-19 pandemic should still be counted for the state of Alabama.
Will the U.S. Census Bureau share my information?
No. The information you submit will be basic household information and is private and will not be used against you in any way or for any other purpose. It is against the law for your information to be shared or used by another agency. The law, known as the “72-Year Rule,” also protects you.
Sounds good, can I take it now?