Campus Safety: OSU-Cascades Extends Patrols to 24 Hours

Two reported sexual assaults occurred in Oregon State University's Cascades campus housing on October 8 and October 10, triggering a shift in security operations. University officials announced that safety staff will now work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in direct response to the incidents. The assaults took place in the campus's only residential hall. Officials stated that the victims did not know their assailants, and investigations into both cases are ongoing.

These events followed a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, located a few miles from the university. The three incidents occurred within a seven-day window. Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented the situation to the OSU Board of Trustees at their Friday meeting. Woekel noted that the timing has left students concerned for their physical, sexual, and emotional safety.

The local incidents align with a wider pattern of campus safety concerns. Five sexual violence incidents were reported during the first week of classes at the University of Oregon's Eugene campus. Additionally, national discourse continues regarding an alleged rape case at Cornell University from 2024.

Student leaders are calling for an expansion of emergency protocols, including procedures for active shooters. They also want to ensure the campus community is aware of available sexual violence prevention and response resources. Woekel described the campus community as unified in its support during this period.

OSU-Cascades closed on the Friday following the elementary school shooting and reopened for classes at the start of the current week. Bend-La Pine Schools remained closed, and Silver Rail Elementary is closed indefinitely. Student leaders established letter-writing stations to send messages to the school's parent-teacher organization. Staff at the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center opened confidential drop-in sessions for all members of the campus community.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard addressed the student body via email. She emphasized that creating a safe campus is a shared responsibility and encouraged students to support one another. Her messages included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected by sexual violence.

Karla Chambers, the Board of Trustees Chair, addressed the impact of the shooting on the OSU family. She stated that the university stands with the Bend community and acknowledged that healing will take substantial time. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800-656-4673. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides 24-hour crisis counseling at 1-800-985-5990, with Spanish-language support available.