As the fall semester began, the University of Texas Regional Security Operations Center (UT-RSOC) marked the start of a new academic year with a student welcome back event held in August. The gathering brought together new and returning student analysts, professional staff, and members of the RSOC leadership team to celebrate the year ahead and reinforce the shared mission that drives the organization’s work, protecting Texas public entities through collaboration, vigilance, and innovation in cybersecurity.
The event, hosted on the first day of classes, was designed to give students a warm and supportive start to the semester. Over lunch, students had the chance to meet and reconnect with fellow analysts, learn about upcoming opportunities within the RSOC, and engage directly with professional staff and leadership. Welcome bags were provided to all attendees as a token of appreciation and to help set a positive tone for the months ahead.
“We wanted this event to feel like a true welcome, not just to the RSOC, but to the community of people behind it,” said Sarah Turquitt, UT-RSOC Outreach Coordinator. “As someone who’s worked closely with students in the past, I know how important it is to create moments of connection early in the semester. When students feel seen and supported from day one, it sets the tone for their success throughout the year.”
“This event is about more than just welcoming our students back,” said a UT-RSOC representative. “It’s an opportunity to remind them that they are a vital part of a statewide effort to strengthen cybersecurity across Texas. Their work here has real-world impact.”
In addition to enjoying food and conversation, students were encouraged to ask questions about current operations, training initiatives, and career pathways within the cybersecurity field. For many, it was their first chance to meet the broader RSOC team face-to-face — an important step in building the collaborative relationships that define the center’s culture.
The UT-RSOC, operating under The University of Texas at Austin and funded by the State of Texas, serves as a hub for regional cybersecurity operations and workforce development. Its student analysts play a critical role in monitoring and defending digital infrastructure while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in real-time security operations. Through these paid positions, students contribute directly to the protection of Texas public institutions while building skills that prepare them for future careers in cybersecurity and public service.
Events like the welcome back gathering highlight UT-RSOC’s dual mission: to safeguard public networks and to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By fostering an environment where learning and service intersect, the RSOC helps students bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and applied expertise.
As the new academic year gets underway, UT-RSOC’s student analysts are ready to take on emerging challenges, work collaboratively to protect Texas public entities, and continue developing their technical and professional skills. The August welcome back event was not only a celebration of the new semester, it was a reaffirmation of the shared purpose that connects every member of the RSOC team.