Census Forms for MIT Residents and FSILGs are available from RAs and House Managers and should be returned to them.
This spring, MIT is assisting the Census Bureau to help count every person who resides in the U.S. The Census is for everyone living in the U.S. as of April 1, 2010. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form takes about 10 minutes, and likely less, to complete. Completing your census form is easy, important and safe. Your participation is vital.
Why is the census so important? What is the information used for?
Census data is used to make critical decisions nationally, locally, and on college campuses. On a national level, the information collected helps to determine representation in the House of Representatives and the allocation of Federal funds. On a state level, the data is used to inform decisions regarding redistricting and funding for statewide programs. For colleges and universities, the census data is used to determine funding for tuition grant and loan programs, and services on campus such as transportation and public safety. Also, university research performed by faculty, staff, and students relies heavily on the accurate collection of census information.
Why is MIT helping with the 2010 Census?
MIT uses U.S. Census data for a variety of research topics, from transportation to tribal anthropology. MIT manages housing for more than 6,000 students, faculty and staff, and ensures residents of Institute-approved housing receive the census form.
Who needs to be counted?
Every person must be counted in the place where they live and sleep in the U.S. in April of 2010. You need to be counted here even if:
- You are a citizen of another country, but are living here
- You are living away from your parents while at college
- You are registered to vote out of state - where you vote and the census are not linked.
What happens to my data?
The paper Census forms are sent to the Federal Census Bureau’s offices. Census responses are confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s personal information with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. Your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both. For more information, please see the 2010 Census Privacy
&
Confidentiality site.
Where is my Census form?
If you live in an MIT-approved residence (including FSILGs), residential staff will ensure you receive a census form. Students and staff living off-campus will receive a census form in March 2010, either by mail or in person from a census worker.
I don't have or lost my form - where do I get another one?
If you live on campus or in Institute-approved housing, please ask your campus contact for another form. If you live off campus, please visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/bcqac-textview.php to find the nearest
"
Be Counted"
site for a form. The Shaw's Supermarket near MIT at 20 Sidney Street has a Be Counted site open from 7 AM to 12 AM. The Harvest Co-op Market at 581 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square has a Be Counted site open from 8 AM to 10 PM, Sunday to 9 PM. You may also request to have a form be mailed to you by calling Telephone Questionnaire Assistance (TQA) - 1-866-872-6868 (English).
