Frequency of the word “China” in Harvard correspondences

Given the prevalence of the word “China” in Harvard coronavirus correspondence, we decided to track the frequency of its appearance over time. Initially (late January and early February), when the pandemic was largely centered across the Chinese mainland, the use of the word steadily increased. At the end of February, it dropped to zero.

In fact, the use of the word “China” in Harvard’s messages peaked as U.S. cases began to skyrocket. This trend is intuitive. As the pandemic moved across new borders and affected new communities around the globe, the university placed a new focus on their response — one centered around the domestic spread.

Frequency of the word “community” in Harvard correspondences

Correspondence also focused heavily on the word “community”. Although “community” appeared in all correspondences, it is interesting to note that “community” decreased in frequency as “China” increased in frequency. As mentioned earlier, this further indicates Harvard’s increasing emphasis on unifying its community, especially as the first Harvard-affiliated cases were reported.

Messages sent after students left campus (March 15) and after the second Harvard-affiliated case (March 16) used “community” less frequently. At this point, the university focused on establishing protocol for essential personnel and thanking students, faculty, and community members.

Frequency of the word “travel” in Harvard correspondences

As the frequency of “travel” increased, words such as “China” and “international” also appeared more frequently. During this time, the university discouraged travel and warned students of risks and precautions, should travel be necessary. However, as the pandemic moved closer to Harvard, the use of “travel” decreased. Harvard began focusing more heavily on issues related directly to campus and the student population in Cambridge. Following March 10, when students were informed they would have to leave campus in five days, the use of “travel” became frequent again as the university communicated information about leaving campus.