Bend campus security shifts to full-time duty

Students at Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend now face a 24-hour safety presence after a week of local violence. The university extended its security shifts to cover all hours of the week in response to two reported sexual assaults in its only residential hall. These incidents occurred on October 8 and October 10. University officials stated in a letter to students that the victim did not know the assailant, and investigations into both cases are ongoing.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, addressed the OSU Board of Trustees at its Friday meeting to detail the changes. He noted that the two assaults and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School happened within seven days of each other. Woekel said these events have left students concerned for their physical, sexual, and emotional safety. The board received his remarks while the campus was reopening after a closure following the shooting.

In addition to the expanded patrol hours, student leaders are asking campus partners to review and expand emergency protocols. These protocols include procedures for active shooter situations. Leaders also want to ensure that all people on the Bend campus understand the resources available for sexual violence prevention and response. Woekel described the campus community as unified in helping one another through the recent events.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard sent messages to students after the incidents. She wrote that creating a safe campus community is a shared responsibility. Pollard encouraged students to look out for one another, noting the close-knit nature of the campus. Her messages included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for people affected by sexual violence.

Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers responded directly to Woekel during the meeting. She stated that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community. Chambers acknowledged that the hurt and healing will take a substantial amount of time. She added that the community is in the thoughts of the board members.

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

Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center have opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, whether directly impacted or not. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800-656-4673 and offers online text chat. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides 24-hour crisis counseling by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990, with Spanish-language support available by pressing 2.