Bend Campus Security Shifts to Around the Clock Duty

Students at Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend now operate under a 24-hour safety patrol schedule. The change closes previous gaps in coverage that left the campus unmonitored during certain hours. This adjustment responds directly to two reported sexual assaults in the university's only residential hall and a shooting at a nearby elementary school.

The timeline of recent events drove the operational shift. On Oct. 8 and Oct. 10, sexual assaults were reported in campus housing. University officials stated in a letter to students that the victim did not know the assailant, and both incidents remain under investigation. During the same seven-day window, Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend experienced a shooting. The three events occurred in close proximity, creating a concentrated period of local violence.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, briefed the OSU Board of Trustees on Friday. He noted that the frequency of these incidents heightened student anxiety regarding physical, sexual, and emotional safety. Woekel confirmed that safety staff now work all 168 hours of the week. Student leaders are also pushing partners to review emergency protocols, specifically those related to active shooters, and to better publicize resources for sexual violence prevention.

Academic and community operations have also shifted. The campus closed on Friday following the shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Bend-La Pine Schools remained closed, while Silver Rail Elementary is shut down indefinitely. Student groups established letter-writing stations to support the school's parent-teacher organization. Additionally, student employees in the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine. Health and counseling services opened confidential drop-in sessions for the community.

University leadership has issued direct communication to students regarding the new protocols. Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard emphasized 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. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers addressed the impact of the shooting, stating that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community. She acknowledged that the healing process will require substantial time.

Next steps include continued monitoring of the safety protocol changes and the ongoing investigation into the assaults. Student leaders will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the expanded patrols and emergency response plans. The campus remains open for regular instructional activities while maintaining the new round-the-clock security coverage.