The federal government mandates
a census or nationwide count of every
person residing in the United States. It
asks 10 basic questions to each household
in America taking, a “snapshot”
of the current population.

John Kaulfus, associate dean of students,
said that the most private question
on the census form is the birthday
question.

“If anyone says they are from the
Census Bureau and they want your
Social Security Number, don’t give it
to them,” Kaulfus said.

According to the Census 2010
handout, the Census Bureau is prohibited
from disclosing any information
about individual students to any other
organization, including other federal
agencies and law enforcement entities.

Therefore, students should not feel
like their personal information will be
compromised by the questionnaire.
“The census is purely statistical, and
it is used by the federal government to
allocate money to states and communities,
help decision-making for roads
and hospitals, and will determine representation
in the House of Representatives,”
Kaulfus said.

The census will be sent out March 15
with a suggested postmark of April 1.
Census workers will visit households
that do not return the questionnaires
by the due date.

Kaulfus said the census is important
for UTSA because it ensures the
school will receive an accurate amount
of money from federal, state and county
funding. He said students who are
away from family feel that they don’t
need to fill the census out, because
they think their parents will do it for
them. However, the census counts the
population on a household basis and
the census filed by one household cannot
represent a family member who
lives at another address.

UTSA wants students to be aware of
the census. UTSA’s education efforts
will focus on two main areas: on-campus
houses and apartments surrounding
the school.

The Census Bureau will send out
bulk packets to those who live in “group
living quarters.” Group quarters are
defined as a place where people live or
stay in a group living arrangement that
is owned or managed by a third party.

Examples of group quarters include
dormitories and military barracks.
Those who live on campus will get
their questionnaire from their Resident
Assistant (RA). Those who do
not live on campus will be mailed a
census form around March 15.

UTSA promoted the census through
the Census Kick Off party on Feb. 19.
It was located on the University Paseo
and featured the Elijah Zane Band for
entertainment. UTSA President Ricardo
Romo, Matt de Leon, and Congressman
Charlie Gonzalez all gave
spoke about the census.

A touring bus that promoted the
census through interactive kiosks and
allowed students to take pictures to
represent the U.S. population. There
were stands promoting jobs for the
Census Bureau.

UTSA also encourages students
through the Rowdystock, on March
27. Rowdystock is an outdoor concert
that will feature many UTSA student
bands. UPS will also be present to collect
questionnaires from students to
turn in to the Census Bureau. Those
who turn in their census will receive a
free t-shirt from the school.
Students interested in getting their
band registered for Rowdystock
should contact Campus Activity Board
at (210) 458-4727.