Ithaca College students must complete the questionnaire as residents of Ithaca, even though this may not necessarily be their voting residence, legal residence, or permanent residence. They should not be included as members of their parents household in the form completed by their parents. By responding to the questionnaire, students help the Ithaca community receive its fair share of aid for projects ranging from public transportation to recreational programs. The census helps employers understand where the next generation of workers is coming from, which will influence their recruitment efforts. Decisions on where to locate new stores, restaurants, offices, health-care facilities, and other businesses are based on census numbers.
Scientific research depends on census data.
College students use census information for sociology reports, statistical profiles, and other research papers. Census figures help establish fair-market rents and enforce fair lending practices. All personal information provided on the census questionnaire is kept confidential. The Census Bureau is forbidden by law from sharing that information with others, including welfare agencies, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Internal Revenue Service, courts, police, and the military. Students living in residence halls should each fill out an individual census questionnaire, which will be delivered through the campus mail.