Bend campus extends safety coverage

Oregon State University Cascades in Bend extended its safety coverage to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, following two reported sexual assaults and a shooting at a nearby elementary school. The campus change was implemented in response to concerns raised by student leaders regarding the frequency of violent incidents in the region.

University officials reported that the two sexual assaults occurred on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10 inside the campus's only residential hall. A letter to students noted that the victim did not know the assailant, and investigations into both incidents remain open. These events coincided with a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, located a few miles from the university grounds.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, addressed the OSU Board of Trustees at its Friday meeting to detail the impact of these events. Woekel stated that the three distinct incidents happened within seven days of each other, leaving students worried about their physical, sexual, and emotional safety. He urged campus partners to re-examine and expand emergency protocols, including active shooter procedures, and to ensure students know how to access sexual violence prevention resources.

The university closed on the Friday following the shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Silver Rail Elementary remains closed indefinitely, while Bend-La Pine Schools stayed shut. Student leaders set up letter-writing stations to send support to the school's parent-teacher organization. Student employees at the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine for the affected community.

Health and wellness services on campus have launched confidential drop-in sessions for anyone impacted, whether directly or indirectly. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center are leading these efforts to provide immediate support. Woekel noted that the community has remained unified in helping one another during this period.

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 and encouraged the close-knit group to look out for one another. Her messages included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for people affected by sexual violence.

Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers responded to Woekel's remarks, stating that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community. Chambers acknowledged that the hurt and healing will take a substantial amount of time but affirmed that the community remains in their thoughts.