Bend campus extends safety patrols to nights

Students at Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend now have safety staff on duty around the clock. The shift to 24-hour coverage follows two sexual assaults reported in the university's only residential hall and a shooting at a nearby elementary school.

University officials confirmed the new schedule in response to the incidents. Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, told the OSU Board of Trustees that the three events occurred within seven days of one another. He said the timing has left students worried about their physical and emotional well-being.

The assaults were reported on October 8 and October 10. In a letter to the student body, administrators stated that the victim did not know the assailant. Investigators are still reviewing both cases. The shooting took place at Silver Rail Elementary School, a few miles from the college. That school remains closed indefinitely, while OSU-Cascades closed for one day and reopened for classes this week.

Student leaders are pushing for changes beyond just staffing hours. They are asking campus partners to review emergency protocols, specifically for active shooter situations. They also want to ensure that sexual violence prevention resources are visible to everyone on campus. Woekel noted that the community has come together to support one another during this difficult period.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard wrote to students after the assault reports. She described campus safety as a shared responsibility and encouraged students to look out for one another. Her message included a list of resources for those affected by sexual violence, both confidential and non-confidential.

Karla Chambers, chair of the Board of Trustees, responded to Woekel's remarks at the Friday meeting. She said the OSU family stands with the Bend community. Chambers acknowledged that the healing process will take a substantial amount of time.

Support services are currently open on campus. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center are offering confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, regardless of whether they were directly impacted. Student employees in the Makerspace lab built an engraved memorial shrine, and letter-writing stations are set up for messages to the Silver Rail Elementary parent-teacher organization.