OSU-Cascades extends safety patrols to 24-hour coverage following week of violence

Oregon State University’s Cascades campus in Bend has shifted its safety staff to around-the-clock duty following a concentrated period of local violence. The change in protocol took effect after two sexual assaults were reported in the university’s single residential hall on October 8 and October 10. A separate shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, located a few miles from the campus, occurred within the same seven-day window.

University officials confirmed in a letter to students that the victim of the residential assaults did not know the assailant. Both incidents remain under investigation. The extension of security hours represents a direct administrative response to the alleged assaults, moving beyond the previous coverage schedule to provide continuous monitoring.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented the student body’s concerns during the OSU Board of Trustees meeting on Friday. He noted that the three distinct events have heightened anxiety regarding physical, sexual, and emotional safety. Woekel stated that student leaders are urging campus partners to re-examine and expand emergency protocols, specifically those related to active shooter scenarios. They are also pushing for better distribution of sexual violence prevention resources.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard addressed the student body following the assault reports, emphasizing that creating a safe community is a shared responsibility. She encouraged students to look out for one another and provided lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected by sexual violence. Her message acknowledged the close-knit nature of the campus while outlining immediate support structures.

Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers responded to Woekel’s remarks, stating that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community. She acknowledged that the healing process will require a substantial amount of time. The university closed on the Friday following the Silver Rail Elementary shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Silver Rail Elementary remains closed indefinitely, while Bend-La Pine Schools have also stayed closed.

Student groups have organized letter-writing stations to send messages of support to the school's parent-teacher organization. Employees in the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center have opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone affected, regardless of their direct connection to the incidents. The National Sexual Assault Hotline remains available at 800-656-4673, and crisis counseling can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.