Beta Theta Pi - MIT

BQP Beta Upsilon Chapter Beta Upsilon's Return to Bay State Road A s the Beta Upsilon alumni leadership developed the return of the Chapter to campus, a group of alumni developed plans for badly needed facility improvements to provide a physical plant that is appropriate in the highly competitive housing market at MIT. This effort envisions the preservation of the historic exterior and ground floor of the Main House while redesigning the basement. Additionally, the plan includes a significant update to the Annex. This is an ambitious but necessary move to match our facility with the important goal of attracting high-caliber Chapter members to a facility that compares favorably to other fraternities and housing options near campus. While our Beta Theta Pi experience is certainly more than the bricks and mortar of the Main House and Annex, our facilities undoubtedly play a significant role as living and learning centers and as proud symbols of our Fraternity. The Beta Upsilon alumni leadership has been assessing our future at MIT. The professionals we engaged are familiar with the expectations of today's undergraduates and their parents. Furthermore, we have looked at what other fraternities have done to upgrade their facilities, operations and programming. As a result, it has become clear that we must make a major investment in our Chapter House so we can provide a beneficial educational experience and a facility that will serve young men well into our second century at MIT. Physical and Safety Needs Both the Main House and Annex were built in 1899. Since purchasing the properties (Main House in 1946 and Annex in 1964), neither has ever undergone a major renovation or improvement. The Chapter buildings show a good amount of wear and tear but remain, in general, fundamentally solid. Over the years, there have been a number of small improvements and projects to keep the houses functional. These renovations were funded by annual donations by alumni and through loans and grants made by MIT's Independent Residence Development Fund. The heating systems have outlived their life expectancies and will be completely replaced, and there will be new plumbing infrastructures in both facilities. The electrical systems will be updated with additional outlets for safety reasons and to provide adequate power for computers, printers, and other electrical appliances. The alarm and sprinkler systems will be overhauled to increase the safety of our members. Academic Needs Beta Theta Pi has always been an organization that fosters academic excellence; however, study space and academic needs have changed and we must address the needs of today's student by providing quiet, well-lit, and comfortable study space with wireless computer access throughout the facility. Multiple areas designated for study, adequate furnishings, and state-of-the-art technology will help our members maintain a competitive edge. To have the option of studying day or night, alone or with guests, at the Chapter House is a key to keeping our members scholastically competitive at MIT. Competition and Value In 2002, MIT began requiring freshmen to live on campus, and the Institute has invested nearly $100 million in renovations and new construction to address student housing. Today's students and their parents expect more for their housing dollars. Amenities offered by the residence halls and in off-campus apartments, as well as new and renovated fraternity houses, require us to reevaluate what we are offering our members. "I graduated from MIT but I learned what I really needed to know from my Fraternity Brothers. Beta has been one of the best experiences in my life." –Dave Samuel '94

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