Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tau Beta Pi a fraternity or sorority?

No. Tau Beta Pi is not a fraternity or sorority, but rather a Greek-letter professional honor society that encompasses the entire engineering profession.

I'm already a member of Tau Beta Pi, and I received an invitation to join. Do I need to go through the initiation process again?

No. Tau Beta Pi receives the list of eligible students each semester regardless of membership into Tau Beta Pi or lack thereof. In this case, you can disregard the invitation email.

I'm a first/second-year student. Can I join Tau Beta Pi?

In most cases, no but it all depends on your class standing. At Michigan Technological University, your class standing is determined by how many credits you've earned including those earned from AP courses & exams, dual enrollment, etc. Tau Beta Pi will only consider you for membership if you are a Junior or higher, which is 60 credits or more.

Is Tau Beta Pi a prestigious honor society?

Absolutely! Tau Beta Pi is the largest engineering honor society and it's the only one that encompasses the entire engineering profession. Your membership in Tau Beta Pi can be a HUGE boost in your resume/CV, and there are many stories where job offers and promotions were decided with Tau Beta Pi membership being a factor!

I major in Engineering Management. Can I join Tau Beta Pi?

It depends. If you are in multiple majors and one of them is an eligible engineering program, you may still be eligible to join Tau Beta Pi. Unfortunately, if Engineering Management is your only major, you are ineligible for membership as it is a business degree outside of the College of Engineering.

Why is my engineering program ineligible for membership?

Tau Beta Pi has strict guidelines on which majors/programs are eligible for membership. These guidelines can include but are not limited to ABET accreditation, graduating class size, and the program's curriculum. Interdisciplinary programs are also particularly difficult to be made eligible and often require a petition to the annual Convention.

My schedule won't let me attend required events like the Orientation Session and Little Bent Sanding Workshop. What do I do?

College is a busy time for all of us, and we understand if your schedule doesn't allow for time to attend. If this happens, let the Initiation Chair know so arrangements can be made.

I cannot afford to pay the initiation fee to join Tau Beta Pi. What are my options?

Financial hardships can affect all of us unexpectedly at any time. If you are unable to pay the mandatory $75 initiation fee due to legitimate financial concerns, please contact us directly. Depending on your situation, we can explore different options ranging from payment plans to waiving the fee if necessary.

Where can I purchase Brasso to polish my Little Bent? Do I have to use Brasso?

Historically, we have been unable to locate any Brasso in any retail stores in the Houghton/Hancock area. That said, you can purchase Brasso through online retailers like Amazon. Furthermore, you don't necessarily have to use Brasso. Any metal polisher that works with copper, silicon, and manganese will suffice! Feel free to check local stores including Walmart, ACE Hardware, Harbor Freight, and more.

Can my family and friends watch me get initiated?

We greatly appreciate that your family and/or friends want to attend your initiation! However, the Initiation Ceremony can only be attended by current members and those that are being initiated. Unless your family and/or friends are already members, then they will not be allowed into the ceremony until after you are formally initiated.

I cannot attend the Initiation Ceremony, but I still want to join Tau Beta Pi. What are my options?

If you are unable to attend the Initiation Ceremony, you will not be able to join Tau Beta Pi that semester. That said, we highly urge you to let us know right away! If you fulfilled all of your requirements prior to Initiation, we can postpone your initiation to the following semester. You will not be required to go through the Election process again if this happens.

I am a remote-learning student. Can I attend the Initiation Ceremony virtually?

Unfortunately, we can only hold in-person initiation ceremonies unless extreme circumstances affect the Houghton/Hancock area (ex: natural disaster, pandemic, etc.). That said, if you are a remote learning student that does not live near Michigan Technological University, let us know immediately! We may be able to get you initiated at another chapter's Initiation Ceremony with approval from Headquarters.