OSU-Cascades Safety Staff Shift to Round the Clock Duty

Campus safety personnel at Oregon State University Cascades in Bend are now working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The university extended these shifts in direct response to two reported sexual assaults that occurred in the campus's only residential hall earlier this month.

The timeline of recent events began on Oct. 8 when the first assault was reported. A second incident followed on Oct. 10 in the same building. University officials noted in a letter to students that the victim in these cases did not know the assailant. Both incidents remain under investigation.

Compounding the local concern, a shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School a few miles from the campus. This event happened within the same seven day window as the two assaults on campus. The three incidents have driven student leaders to demand stronger safety measures and clearer emergency protocols.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, addressed the OSU Board of Trustees at its meeting on Friday. He stated that the rapid succession of events has left students worried about their physical, sexual, and emotional safety. Woekel confirmed that student leaders are urging partners to re-examine emergency protocols, specifically those for active shooter situations, and to improve awareness of sexual violence resources.

In response to the shooting, OSU-Cascades closed on Friday and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Silver Rail Elementary remains closed indefinitely, while Bend-La Pine Schools stayed closed during the initial disruption. Student groups have organized letter writing stations and created an engraved memorial shrine in the campus Makerspace lab to support the elementary school community.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard wrote to students following the assault reports, emphasizing that creating a safe community is a shared responsibility. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers also spoke to the student body, stating that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community during this period of healing. Student Health and Wellness has opened confidential drop in sessions for anyone affected by the recent events.

Confidential crisis counseling is available around the clock via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Individuals can call or text 1-800-985-5990 to reach support, with Spanish language services available by pressing 2.