The Athletics program is conducted in accordance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and III rules. The program serves more than 600 student-athletes within 24 men's and women's varsity sports. RIT's Athletics program has distinguished itself within the realm of Division III and recently elevated its nationally recognized men's ice hockey program to Division I.  In 2010, the men’s hockey program made history by advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Several teams have reached national playoff competition highlighted by the men's ice hockey team, which captured national titles in 1983 and 1985.  Most recently, the men’s lacrosse squad made the national quarterfinals in 2010.  Over the years, RIT has also boasted numerous All-Americans, individual national champions and two NCAA postgraduate scholars. Stephen Burns captured a national title in the javelin in 2008, while Mike Dempsey was the national runner-up in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault championships in 2010.

RIT Athletics supports its student-athletes in their academic endeavors as well. An academic mentorship program is in place and is comprised of volunteer faculty across the campus. These individuals mentor and support the student-athletes academic needs.

The overall grade point average of RIT’s student-athletes during 2009-10 was 3.18, which exceeds that of the general student body, and has been since 2005-06.

Sports offered through the intercollegiate athletics program promote development of leadership skills and values, promote campus spirit and provide visibility for the Institute. Support the Tigers by attending an exciting athletic event.

History of the Nickname
The Rochester Institute of Technology "Tigers" became the official mascot of the Institute in 1955-56, following an undefeated basketball season. Originally RIT's intercollegiate athletic teams were called "Techmen". The school colors were blue and gray.

Former sports information director Harry Watts saw the need for team identification and suggested the "Tiger" in 1955. Some two years later, the Institute adopted burnt umber, orange and white as the official intercollegiate athletic colors.