Bend campus safety staff now work 24-hour shifts after week of incidents

Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend has extended safety staff coverage to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This change follows a week of incidents that included two reported sexual assaults and a shooting at a nearby elementary school. The new schedule was confirmed by student leaders during a board meeting on Friday.

University officials reported that two sexual assaults occurred in the campus's only residential hall on October 8 and October 10. A letter to students stated that the victim did not know the assailant. Investigations into both incidents are currently ongoing. These events occurred within the same seven-day window as the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, which is located a few miles from the university grounds.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, addressed the OSU Board of Trustees to detail the community's response. Woekel noted that the three distinct events have heightened concerns regarding physical, sexual, and emotional safety. Student leaders are urging campus partners to re-examine and expand emergency protocols, specifically those for active shooters. They are also working to ensure students are aware of available sexual violence prevention and response resources.

In response to the Silver Rail Elementary shooting, the university closed on the Friday following the incident. Classes resumed at the start of this week, while the elementary school remains closed indefinitely. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center have opened confidential drop-in sessions for students, staff, and community members. Woekel noted that these sessions are available for anyone, whether directly impacted or not.

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 students to look out for one another. Her messages included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected by sexual violence.

Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers responded to the concerns raised by student leaders. She stated that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community. Chambers acknowledged that the hurt and healing will take time and said the community is in their thoughts. The university has provided contact information for the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration crisis line for those seeking support.