Bend College Seals Overnight Gaps With 24-Hour Watch After Seven-Day Shock

Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend has moved its safety patrols to a 24-hour schedule, a change implemented following two recent assaults and a shooting at a nearby elementary school. The shift closes previous gaps in overnight coverage and places security personnel on duty for all 168 hours of the week.

Two sexual assaults were reported in the university's only residential hall on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10. University officials stated in a letter to students that the victim did not know the assailant. The incidents remain under investigation. A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, located a few miles from campus, occurred within the same seven-day window.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented the issue to the OSU Board of Trustees at its Friday meeting. He noted that the three events happened within seven days of one another. "These three distinct events happened within seven days of each other and have students concerned for their physical, sexual and emotional safety," Woekel said. Student leaders are now urging campus partners to review and expand emergency protocols, including those for active shooters.

The university closed on the Friday following 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 for a longer period. Student leaders set up letter-writing stations on campus to send messages of support to the school's parent-teacher organization. Employees at the campus Makerspace lab built an engraved memorial shrine. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone affected, whether directly or not.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard sent messages to students after the assaults. "Creating a safe campus community is a shared responsibility," she wrote. "We are a close-knit campus, and I encourage you to look out for and support one another." Her notes included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for people affected by sexual violence.

Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers responded to the concerns raised by student leadership. "I want you to know that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community," Chambers said. "We know the hurt and healing will take a substantial amount of time, but that community is certainly in our thoughts."

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 confidential crisis counseling around the clock by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. Spanish-language support is available by pressing 2.