Campus Safety: Three Incidents in Seven Days Spark 24-Hour Patrols

Three violent events occurred within a seven-day window at or near Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend. The incidents included two reported sexual assaults in campus housing on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10, and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, told the OSU Board of Trustees on Friday that these distinct events have left students concerned for their physical, sexual, and emotional safety.

In response to the alleged assaults, university officials extended campus safety hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Woekel noted that student leaders are also urging campus partners to re-examine and expand emergency protocols, specifically regarding active shooter responses. The student group is pushing to ensure that individuals on the Bend campus are aware of available sexual violence prevention and response resources. These measures aim to address the immediate operational gaps identified after the housing incidents, which remain under investigation.

The timing of these events has heightened attention to campus security in the region. During the first week of classes at the University of Oregon in Eugene, five incidents were reported. National discourse continues regarding an alleged 2024 rape case at Cornell University. Woekel stated that despite the anger and sadness felt by the community, the campus has remained unified in supporting one another through these times. The interim leadership has emphasized that creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard wrote to students following the assault reports, encouraging them to look out for one another in the close-knit community. She included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected by sexual violence. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers addressed the pain felt by OSU students and staff after the shooting. She stated that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community and acknowledged that the healing process will take a substantial amount of time.

Operational adjustments have already taken place following the Silver Rail Elementary shooting. OSU-Cascades closed on the Friday after the incident and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Bend-La Pine Schools remained closed, and Silver Rail Elementary is closed indefinitely. Student employees at the campus Makerspace lab built an engraved memorial shrine, while leaders set up letter-writing stations for messages of support to the school's parent-teacher organization.

Support services have expanded to accommodate the increased need. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, whether directly impacted or not. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800-656-4673 for victims of sexual violence. Confidential crisis counseling is accessible around the clock from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990, with Spanish-language support available by pressing 2.