Capping a tumltuous day in the history of athletics at Rensselaer, President Shirley Ann Jackson formally announced the intention to elevate the women's ice hockey team to Division I status at a future time to be determined. According to USCHO, Dr. Jackson said:

We have been evaluating our options for moving a women's varsity sport to Division I for some time. We have a great tradition in ice hockey, making it an appropriate choice as a Division I sport at Rensselaer.

Current women's head coach John Burke said:

I am thrilled and the members of the women's team are thrilled. We have an opportunity to carry out one of {the now deceased former head coach Bill Cahill's} goals, which was to compete successfully at the highest level, and we are elated.

The announcement was made sometime after the vote was taken on NCAA Proposition 65 which could have impacted Rensselaer's intention to upgrade the program, had it passed in its original form. As it was passed, the amended Proposition 65 allows the eight schools that have traditionally "played up" from Division III to Division I to have both a men's and women's team in their Division I sport.

RPI intends to apply for membership in the ECAC women's league after an elevation timetable is in place.