OSU-Cascades Extends Safety Coverage to 24 Hours After Two Assaults

Campus safety personnel at Oregon State University’s Cascades campus in Bend now work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The schedule change follows two reported sexual assaults that occurred in the university’s only residential hall on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10. University officials stated in a letter to students that the victims did not know their assailants, and investigators are still reviewing both cases.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, addressed the OSU Board of Trustees on Friday to explain the student response. He noted that three distinct violent events took place within a seven-day window, creating anxiety regarding physical, sexual, and emotional security for the student body.

Beyond the extended shifts, student leaders are asking campus partners to review and expand emergency protocols, particularly those designed for active shooter situations. They also want to ensure that all community members are aware of existing resources for sexual violence prevention and response.

The local impact extended beyond the university when a shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School, a few miles from campus. OSU-Cascades closed on the Friday following that incident and resumed classes at the start of the week. The elementary school remains closed indefinitely, while the Bend-La Pine School District kept its other schools shut.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard wrote to students after the assault reports, describing a safe campus as a shared responsibility. Her messages included lists of confidential and non-confidential support options for those affected by sexual violence. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers also spoke to the assembly, stating that the wider OSU community stands with the residents of Bend.

Student organizations have organized letter-writing stations to send support to the elementary school’s parent-teacher group. Employees at the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine, and Student Health and Wellness opened confidential drop-in counseling sessions for anyone on campus, regardless of whether they were directly impacted by the events.