Census surveys have recently been conducted in residence halls, and a U.S. Census Bureau official wants students to know the importance of their responses.
The most recent survey visit took place on Nov. 5 in Noyer Complex. The exact survey conducted is unknown due to strict census policy.
In August, field representative Cameron Kirby conducted the American Community Survey, which is used to measure people in households and group quarters, like campus housing, in Woodworth Complex.
The American Community Survey collects data on an ongoing basis to provide every community with the information they need to make important decisions, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Information from the survey generates data that helps determine how more than $400 billion in federal and state funds are distributed.
“Surveys conducted by the census supplies a lot of important information to different organizations in communities and across the country,” Kirby said. “These statistics effect things like housing, school corporations and hospitals.”
Although the American Community Survey response rate is relatively high among college students, the overall awareness of what the survey is about and what the U.S. Census Bureau does remains low, said David Schuler, U.S. Census Bureau data dissemination specialist.
“The importance of doing the American Community Survey is across the board, not just college students,” said Schuler. “By doing this, you are doing your part to help the community you are a part of.”
The purpose of conducting these surveys are not only for statistical purposes, but also to make people aware of the census, he said.
“We try to work to inform students of why we are out there,” Schuler said. “With the U.S. Census, often times people just think of the ten-year survey to count population, but we do so much more than that.”
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts multiple tests year-round regarding not only population, but topics like economy, business, education, health and international trade.
“All the statistics that you see in the news that involve things like poverty or the economy all come from us and the surveys we conduct,” Schuler. “Without the participation of people at the local and national level, we wouldn’t get the results we do.”
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