Metropolitan State Announces Programs to Raise Awareness of Census

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Metropolitan State University will kick off a series of programs aimed at raising awareness of the 2010 census with a presentation by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie on February 3. “Come to Your Census!” will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Ecolab Community Room of Metropolitan State’s Saint Paul Library and Learning Center. Community members can also view this presentation via ITV on the Minneapolis Community and Technical College campus in room MEC 2300. Ritchie’s presentation is free and open to the public.

“The 2010 census will determine federal allocations for schools, as well as our state’s congressional representation, and we want our voices to be heard.”

“Metropolitan State University is committed to making sure all of our faculty, staff and students are counted in the 2010 census,” said Sue Hammersmith, president. “The 2010 census will determine federal allocations for schools, as well as our state’s congressional representation, and we want our voices to be heard.”

Other events scheduled include:

“The Census: Culture, Identity and the Changing Face of Minnesota.” This presentation by members of diverse community groups looks at how well the census really captures the face of Minnesota, including questions of race, gender and marriage. It will be held on February 16, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., on the Minneapolis Community and Technical College campus, T-building, 2^nd Floor Skyway Commons.
“Census Data: A Source for Fun Facts and Other Important Research!” Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer, will talk about what the census really tells us and how can this data be used in research. The presentation will be in the Ecolab Community Room of Metropolitan State’s Saint Paul Library and Learning Center on February 17 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Community members can also view this presentation via ITV on the Minneapolis Community and Technical College campus, MEC 2300.
“Census: Dollars We Count On – The Census, Cities, Local Government and Higher Education.” Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will lead a panel on February 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Metropolitan State University.
“Controversy, Conflict and the U.S. Census.” An open discussion for students, staff and faculty will occur on March 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Metropolitan State’s Saint Paul Library and Learning Center, Room 329.

Metropolitan State’s Center for Community-Based Learning, the Student Senate, University Activities Board and Minnesota State University Student Association are coordinating the campaign to raise awareness and encourage participation in the 2010 census.

About Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University (www.metrostate.edu), a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides high-quality, affordable academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.