Officially called "The Standard Technology Ring", the gold MIT class ring is known more familiarly as the "Brass Rat." The original ring was the product of a committee formed In the spring of 1929, consisting of one member of each of the classes of 1930, 1931, and 1932. There was debate as to whether the dome or the beaver should be featured on the front of the ring, and the beaver won out as the more unique symbol of the Institute. The Dome is used on the shanks. Now, classes appoint a Ring Committee to design their own MIT ring.  This tradition has produced one of the most cherished symbols of an MIT education, recognized worldwide. The graduate version of the ring, the "Grad Rat," is redesigned once every 5 years.

A student from the class of 2011 adds, "It is both technologically advanced and keeps picking up speed just like MIT."

Another student from the class of 2011 writes, "The Brass Rat serves as a reminder of the bond all MIT students share. Filled with symbolism, it carries reminders of what makes each class unique. At the same time, traditional symbols are found on each ring that unite every class that graduates. It's something you can take pride in- the symbol of a bona fide MIT student."