Bend Campus Shifts to 24-Hour Patrols After Seven-Day Surge in Local Violence

Three major violent incidents occurred in Bend, Oregon, within a seven-day span in mid-October, forcing a small university campus to expand its security coverage to all hours. The events included two alleged sexual assaults on campus and a shooting at a local elementary school, which left students and staff grappling with immediate safety concerns.

University officials reported that two sexual assaults took place on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10 in the campus's only residential building. A letter from administration stated that the victim in these reports did not know the assailant. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Simultaneously, a shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School, which is located a few miles from the university campus.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, addressed the Oregon State University Board of Trustees during their meeting on Friday. Woekel stated that the cluster of events has left students worried about their physical, sexual, and emotional well-being. "These three distinct events happened within seven days of each other and have students concerned for their physical, sexual and emotional safety," he told the board.

In direct response to the assaults, campus safety patrols have been extended to cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Student leaders are also urging local partners to review and expand emergency protocols, specifically those designed for active shooter situations. They are working to ensure that all individuals on the Bend campus are aware of available resources for sexual violence prevention and response.

The campus was closed on Friday following the shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week. Silver Rail Elementary remains closed indefinitely, while the Bend-La Pine Schools district stayed shut during the interim. Student groups have organized letter-writing stations to send messages of support to the elementary school's parent-teacher organization. Employees at the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine to honor the impact of the shooting.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard communicated with students following the incidents, emphasizing that safety is a collective duty. "Creating a safe campus community is a shared responsibility," Pollard wrote in a message to the student body. She included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected by sexual violence. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers also spoke to the board, acknowledging the pain felt by the university family. "I want you to know that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community," Chambers said. She noted that the healing process will require a substantial amount of time.

Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center have opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone on campus, regardless of whether they were directly impacted. The National Sexual Assault Hotline remains available at 800-656-4673, offering online text chat support. For confidential crisis counseling, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides round-the-clock assistance by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990, with Spanish-language support accessible by pressing 2.