BEND, Ore. - OSU-Cascades has issued a campus safety notice and is stepping up patrols and observation across the Bend campus as law enforcement investigates two sexual assaults alleged to have occurred at the residence hall in recent days.

Tuesday afternoon, OSU provided this follow-up statement from Rob Odom, OSU's vice president for university relations and marketing:

"A precautionary message was sent to the Oregon State University-Cascades community with the available information and in response to The Clery Act, a federal law that requires universities to disclose certain offenses, including sexual assault, to alert members of the campus community to situations that may pose a serious or continuing threat so they can take precautions.

"The report, which has not been confirmed, was shared with Oregon State University’s Equal Opportunity & Access office and later with the Department of Public Safety, who respond to all such reports."

"University resources and support are being offered to those impacted. Increased staffing, patrolling and observation of the OSU-Cascades residence hall and campus have been initiated and will continue for the foreseeable future."

"The university has no further information to share, given the ongoing investigation into this matter," Odom's statement concluded.

Earlier Tuesday, Central Oregon Peacekeepers shared the letter a student received on its Facebook page and with the Bugle, and the message details later were confirmed by an OSU representative.

The wording of the email sent to the OSU-Cascades community indicated that both incidents may have involved one alleged assailant who was not known to the victim. The Bugle is awaiting further details from school officials.

Bend Police did not receive any direct reports of sexual assault on the campus, but have been in contact with OSU's police chief, who is working with the alleged victim, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told the Bugle. She added that police will help in any way requested.

Here is the full email sent Monday night to the OSU-Cascades community:

From: OSU-Cascades ALERT <oregonstate@email.getrave.com>

Sent: Monday, October 12, 2026 7:30:10 PM

Subject: BND - 2 Campus Safety Notice

Urgent OSU-Cascades Campus Safety Notice

Timely Warning

The purpose of this communication is to share information on two sexual assault incidents that were reported to have occurred in the residence hall at Oregon State University-Cascades on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct.10. Both of these incidents involved an assailant who was not known to the victim.

Although a description of the assailant is not currently available, it is important for members of the OSU-Cascades community to be aware of these incidents so that they can take necessary precautions.

While the OSU-Cascades Department of Public Safety and others continue to gather more information and investigate this matter, we are increasing staffing, patrolling and observation of the residence hall and campus. OSU is increasing its DPS patrols of the building and surrounding areas, increasing Residential Education and Housing hallway observation, and monitoring video footage regularly.

In the interim, please follow these important safety guidelines:

· Report suspicious persons, behavior, or security concerns immediately.

· Keep residence hall room doors locked at all times.

· Do not allow unknown individuals to enter secured residence halls.

· Be aware of your surroundings, especially when entering or leaving the building.

· Travel with friends or trusted companions when possible.

· Carry a charged mobile phone and know how to contact emergency services.

· Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, leave the area and seek assistance.

The university is actively working with law enforcement and campus officials to investigate these reports and enhance safety measures within and around the residence hall.

The university recognizes that incidents involving sexual violence can be distressing for members of the community.

Students and employees may access confidential and supportive resources, including:

· Equal Opportunity and Access: 541-737-3556

· Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Education: 541-737-2030

· Student Health and Wellness

Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact:

· Campus Public Safety: 541-322-3110

· Residential Education and Housing

· Bend Police Department: 541-693-6911

· Emergency: 911

Further updates will be provided when additional information becomes available.