With the approach of the 2010 United States Census, many students at UT recognize the importance of an accurate national headcount to ensure adequate funding is provided to the UT as well as the Toledo community.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the form takes no more than 10 minutes to complete and affects all college students. The census, which is taken every 10 years, counts the total population of the U.S.
Based on the census data, billions of dollars in federal funds are awarded annually to states and communities for things such as Federal Pell Grants, transportation, public safety, medical care and road repairs.
The U.S. Census Bureau also said, UT students living in household addresses, such as apartments, will be mailed forms starting April 1 to fill out and send back. Students living in a residence hall will be counted by official census takers.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, calculating the number of college students has become an issue. Some students are unaware of whether they should be counted at their university address or their home address; this has caused some students to be counted twice or not at all during the census process.
According to Carolyn Baumgartner, director of financial aid at UT, the U.S. has tried to accurately count the number of citizens, but struggles with accuracy because of college students, international students and homeless people.
“I think we have tried in the past, but haven’t gotten the correct number yet,” Baumgartner said. “We need as a nation to know the correct number of our population so that we can adequately serve each member.”
Baumgartner also said the census directly relates to the total funds an institution like UT will receive from the government. Since the census also helps count the number of students and how many of them will be in need of aid, Baumgartner said inaccuracy in the count would make it difficult to allocate an adequate amount of funding.
Dennis Parker, a sophomore majoring in accounting, said he feels the census still serves a purpose in society. He also said it is imperative that students make an effort to fill out the census and do their part to help benefit the nation as a whole.
“I think it is important especially in tough economic times like this that the census is accurate,” Parker said. “It can tell you which cities have the most population decrease, if any cities have grown. It helps people make decisions.”
According to Stacie Shedron, a freshman majoring in education, it is important for students to remember that the census does not only affect the students at UT, but those who have graduated from UT and other universities as well.
Shedron also said the number of positions that will be available in her graduating year will be mandated by statistical data such as the census.
“The number of jobs offered to teachers is based off of the number of potential students there will be,” Shedron said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the census data will impact college tuition, grants and loan programs as well as states’ representations in Congress and each student’s political voice. The census is also important for research done by college faculty, students, librarians and community leaders.
Rebecca Eden, a sophomore majoring in cardiovascular technology, said the census is an important political process and is just as important as voting.
“The census is important because it affects all students, it’s crucial that everyone take their part in filling out the census accurately,” she said.
According to Eden, the census still influences America like it did in the past and students should take the time to fill out the simple form, because if affects more than just themselves.
Thomas Pallo, a freshman majoring in engineering, said that the census is, and always will be, a tradition.
“It doesn’t matter if it is an outdated method, it serves its purpose and should remain the same,” Pallo said.
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