ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Institute of Technology will opt into the House v. NCAA settlement framework beginning with the 2027–28 academic year, a move that reflects the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.

The decision follows a landmark agreement that reshapes how Division I athletic programs can support student-athletes. Opting into the framework provides RIT with flexibility to better support athletes as the university operates in an increasingly competitive and evolving collegiate athletics environment.

At RIT, the decision applies specifically to its Division I men's and women's hockey programs. Many of the institutions which RIT competes against have also opted into, or announced plans to opt into, the new framework.

"Because our men's and women's hockey programs compete at the Division I level, it is essential that we have access to the same opportunities available to many of our peer institutions," said RIT Executive Director of Athletics Jacqueline Nicholson. "Opting into the framework allows us to support our student-athletes in meaningful ways and to continue to build on the national reputation of RIT Hockey"

One of the most significant impacts of the new framework will be increased scholarship flexibility for Division I hockey programs. Under the House Settlement, institutions will be able to fund scholarships up to the NCAA roster limit, creating additional opportunities to support student-athletes and providing greater flexibility in recruiting, roster management, and player retention.

"The RIT Athletic Department will prepare a broader strategy that prioritizes funding potential enhanced benefits through new revenue generation. The move will signal to recruits, current players, and the broader hockey community that RIT is committed to competing at the highest level," said Nicholson.

Opting into the framework gives RIT the option to provide enhanced benefits for student-athletes as new funding streams are developed, such as funds from sponsors and donors to athletic programs.
 
"An exciting new chapter is ahead for Tiger Athletics," said RIT President Bill Sanders. "The new model will help elevate the student-athlete experience while maintaining fair playing rules, eligibility requirements, and academic standards. Student-athletes will continue to benefit from the rich opportunities they enjoy now, along with more enhanced benefits."

In a joint statement, Celeste Brown, Bruce B. Bates Women's Hockey Coach and Men's Hockey Coach Matt Thomas hailed the move, which they said will create new opportunities to support student-athletes while strengthening their programs' ability to recruit and retain players.

"RIT Hockey has built a strong reputation for providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes both on and off the ice," said Brown and Thomas. "This decision expands the ways we can support our student-athletes and strengthens our ability to attract players who are looking for the unique combination of high-level hockey, academic excellence, and personal growth that RIT offers."