Now you can go online to complete the U.S. Census

For the first time in history, the United States Census is something that can be completed online.

It takes only two minutes, maybe even one, to turn in a form using census.gov. It’s important to fill out the form, not only for fair representation but for providing the federal government with accurate student population numbers.

The U.S. Census Bureau said in a March 18 statement that to support guidance on decreasing the spread of coronavirus, it strongly encourages the public to participate online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. The form can also be completed by phone or mail.

The census is an official population count that was written into the U.S Constitution. It first took place in 1790, and now happens every 10 years.

To this day, the U.S. Census still accounts for fair representation. Results are used to reapportion the House of Representatives and determine how many seats each state gets.

Additionally, federal funds, grants and academia support are based on population numbers.

When accurate student population numbers are provided to the federal government, Cal State Long Beach students, staff and faculty can benefit from appropriate federal student loans, legislation, campus funding, campus improvements and health and social services.

All CSULB students can access the 2020 Census online and fill it out based where you are residing, or where you resided 50% of the time, on April 1.

CSULB still is considering the best method to tally up spring semester residential students. More information for those who resided in Student Housing will be released soon.

Undocumented students: You count, too. All information provided to the U.S. Census is confidential. It is against the law for census staff to provide information to anyone, including law enforcement.

Visit our 2020 Census web page to find out more details on its importance and how to fill the form out.