What is a Census?
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1). This first verse of what is known to Christians as the Christmas story also details another important historical event: the census. Even though Caesar was undoubtedly interested in the names and numbers of people under Roman rule for tax purposes, the count was a census. A census may unofficially refer to anything that is counted for a specific purpose. A census may be made of the number of animals in a shelter, for example, or residents in a nursing home. However, a census in its strictest form is an official enumeration of the population. The first U.S. census was conducted in 1790, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In those days, and for many decades to follow, the census was conducted entirely through census-takers going from house to house, gathering information from each family they spoke with. They took information about the number of people in
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. Students living on campus in a residence hall or Greek life housing will not receive a form, but will be counted per University submitted information. No form will be necessary to Be Counted.
