Bend Campus Shifts to Round-the-Clock Security After Triple Wave of Violence
University leaders extended safety coverage in response to two housing assaults and a nearby school shooting that occurred within seven days.
By Hana Gray ·
Oregon State University’s Cascades campus in Bend is now operating its safety team around the clock, a direct response to a cluster of violent incidents that struck the community in under a week. The decision follows two sexual assaults in the university’s sole residential building and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary, events that have left students and staff questioning the adequacy of current emergency responses.
The two assaults were reported on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10, university officials stated in a letter to students, noting that the victim in both cases did not know the assailant. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. The violence occurred just days after the shooting at the elementary school, which is located a few miles from the campus.
Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented the student body’s concerns to the OSU Board of Trustees on Friday. He emphasized the proximity of these events, stating, “These three distinct events happened within seven days of each other and have students concerned for their physical, sexual and emotional safety.” Student leaders are now calling on campus partners to review and broaden emergency protocols, specifically regarding active shooter situations and sexual violence resources.
In the immediate aftermath, the university closed on the Friday following the school shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week. While Bend-La Pine Schools remained shut, Silver Rail Elementary has closed indefinitely. In response, student employees at the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine, and letter-writing stations were established to send messages of support to the school’s parent-teacher organization.
Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard addressed the community after the assault reports, writing that creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility. She encouraged students to support one another and provided lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers also spoke to the students, affirming that the OSU family stands with the Bend community during this period of healing.
Support services have expanded to meet the increased demand. Student Health and Wellness, along with the Student Counseling Center, have opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, whether directly impacted or not. National resources are also available, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration crisis line at 1-800-985-5990.
Source: OPB
