Beta Theta Pi - MIT

BETA THETA PI I M A S S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T U T E O F T E C H N O L O G Y PAGE 4 our challenges W e must set the standard for fraternity housing. While our facilities have deteriorated, MIT has invested millions in new, state-of-the-art dormitories. Freshmen, who now all live on campus, experience these modern facilities with many perks. While a move into a fraternity house offers many social advan- tages, facilities and general living conditions have become a sig- nificant disadvantage for fraternities in today's campus housing environment. More and more, fraternities are competing against the dorms rather than each other. In addition, fraternities are seeing a larger share of members living in the dorms, creating a financial strain for chapters that are under capacity and greater difficulty financing routine maintenance, let alone significant renovations. We must meet the needs of our undergraduates and prepare for the future of the Beta Upsilon Chapter. The need for quiet, well-lit study space, computer and technology resources, and other academic components has never been greater. Modernized bedroom and bath- room facilities are necessary to compete with the housing options our men are seeking. If BQP is to attract scholastic and motivated students, we must equip our Chapter house to meet their needs. We must maintain our role as a complement to a well-rounded ed- ucation. Beta Theta Pi helps create a tie to MIT by providing a sense of belonging and community. Beta taught us things we could not learn in the classroom. We can settle for nothing less than the finest facility and resources if we wish to offer this experience to future generations of Beta Upsilon Brothers. With improved phys- ical facilities, Beta Theta Pi will provide a true living-learning community, one that extends the learning opportunities beyond the confines of the classroom. That sense of belonging is even more important given the size of the student body. We must position ourselves to attract top student leaders who will move our Fraternity forward. The university fraternity system con- tinues to be an extremely competitive market. Students recognize the value of a positive experience in a top chapter. Completion of this project and the creation of a scholarship and leadership en- dowment will help ensure Beta's place as one of the premier fra- ternities at MIT.

• Cover