Campus Safety: OSU-Cascades Extends Patrols to 24 Hours After Week of Incidents
Student leaders in Bend secured round-the-clock coverage following two assaults in residential housing and a shooting at a nearby elementary school.
By Priya Marino ·
Campus safety personnel at Oregon State University’s Cascades campus in Bend now work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This change follows two reported sexual assaults in the university’s only residential hall and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School.
The assaults were reported on October 8 and October 10. University officials stated in a letter to students that the victim in those incidents did not know the assailant. Both cases remain under investigation. A shooting occurred at the elementary school a few miles from campus during the same seven-day window.
Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented these concerns to the OSU Board of Trustees at its Friday meeting. He noted that the three distinct events happened within seven days. Woekel said the incidents have left students concerned for their physical, sexual, and emotional safety. Student leaders are urging campus partners to re-examine emergency protocols, including those for active shooters, and to increase awareness of sexual violence prevention resources.
Woekel described the campus community as unified in its response. He stated that despite the anger and sadness, students are helping one another get through the events. The university closed on the Friday after the shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Silver Rail Elementary remains closed indefinitely, while Bend-La Pine Schools also kept its doors shut during that period.
Student groups have organized support efforts on campus. Leaders set up letter-writing stations for messages to the elementary school’s parent-teacher organization. Student employees at the campus Makerspace lab built an engraved memorial shrine. The Student Health and Wellness office and the Student Counseling Center opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone affected, whether directly or indirectly.
Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard sent messages to students following the assault reports. She wrote that creating a safe campus community is a shared responsibility. Pollard encouraged students to look out for one another and included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources in her communications. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers addressed the student body, stating that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community. She acknowledged that the healing process will take a substantial amount of time.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800-656-4673 and offers online text chat. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides 24-hour confidential crisis counseling by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. Spanish-language support is available on that line by pressing 2.
