Q: Who can join the Toronto Chapter of Acacia Fraternity?

A: Any undergraduate man enrolled in a Toronto university or college can join Acacia Fraternity.  Unfortunately, high school students can not join until they have officially graduated from high school and have been accepted to a post-secondary institution in the GTA.

Q: Why should I join Acacia?

A: Joining a Fraternity is no simple decision.  It is one that you should give much thought to and ensure that you check out a few houses (different fraternities) before making your final selection.  Although men join fraternities for personal and different reasons, our members have stated that some of their reasons for joining Acacia have been for philanthropy, business opportunities, social, personal wellness and development, and for a fine fraternal experience.  Acacia prides itself on our fraternity and what we have to offer – we invite you to come see what you are currently missing!

Q: What makes Acacia better than other fraternities?

A:  While many Fraternities cater to one type of person, Acacia sees beyond the materialistic items to the true man.  Whether you are a business major or a law major, Acacia Fraternity is a bond that can bring the most opposite members closer and assist in working together for community betterment.  Acacia Fraternity does not claim to be the best fraternity – but we do believe that there is none finer!

Q: How long do I have until I become a Brother?

A: The first step to joining Acacia is to contact one of our members or to come out to one of our recruitment events.  During the recruitment period (Rush), which usually lasts between two and three weeks, you will have numerous opportunities to meet the other members of the chapter and to get to know your potential future brothers.

After the recruitment period ends, you will be extended a bid (a formal invitation) to join Acacia Fraternity.  Upon accepting your bid, you will then begin your five (5) to eight (8) week new member education program in which you will meet alumni, learn information about our history and traditions, as well as participating in numerous philanthropy and social events.  This period is usually looked back upon by many members as being on of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences of their collegiate career!

Once you have completed the New Member Education Program, you will be initiated into Acacia as a Brother of the Fraternity.  Upon you initiation, you will be granted access to the ritual materials, be given a membership certificate and membership card and receive your own badge (official jewelry of Acacia).  On top of these items, you will be encouraged to attend all of our international brotherhood events including our summer Leadership Academies!  

Q: Are you affiliated with Masonry?

A:  Acacia Fraternity was founded in 1904 by Fourteen Master Masons at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbour, Michigan.  From our founding until the early 1960’s, men had to be a Master Mason or in the process of becoming a Master Mason in order to join Acacia.  In 1960, in an effort to build our brotherhood, we removed this requirement for membership and our members today are no longer required to be Free Masons.

Despite the removal of the Masonic requirement, our chapters still enjoy a prosperous and informal tie to Free Masonry.  From our annual tie exchanges with local lodges to our international charity (The Shriners Burns Institutes), Acacia Fraternity is proud of our history and our friendship with the various Masonic Lodges across North America.

Q: Am I paying for friends?

A: No matter what anyone tells you, you cannot buy friends!  When you join a fraternity, like any other sports team or club, there are membership dues which are used for chapter operations, scholarships and social events.  In no way, are they used for the betterment of any one individual, but rather, for your chapter as a whole.  As you will find out, the membership dues you will pay to Acacia are comparable, if not cheaper then what you would pay if say, you were a member of a hockey or soccer team!

Q: Do I have to be paddled and drink all the time?

A: Absolutely Not!  The stereotypical images that plank Hollywood are not true in today’s Greek system.  Although you may find the odd fraternity that may break the law and implore such activities, ACACIA FRATERNITY HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HAZING.  Members are asked to confidentially report such activities immediately to the International Headquarters.  Violations to this policy can and will lead to expulsion from the organization.

As for Alcohol consumption, Acacia Fraternity neither encourages nor discourages its use.  We do encourage that all individuals who consume or who may consume alcoholic beverages abide by the laws governing the use and consumption of alcohol and that it be used in moderation. 

Q: How much time will I be required to give to the Fraternity?

A:  Like any other organization you join, you will get out of the fraternity experience what you put into it.  Although different members are able to commit varying times or can not always make it to events, the formal time requirements are minimal and usually are kept to a few hours each week.  You will find that as you begin your journey with Acacia, you may have a few hours this week but none next week due to school.  That is totally understandable!  As an Acacian, you will be required to have a system of priorities; 1) Scholarship, 2) Acacia, 3) Other Campus events.  As a fraternity that prides itself on being a Gentlemen’s fraternity, we believe a gentlemen’s first priority should be his education!

Q: Will Acacia take away from my education?

A: No!  Actually, many members find that Acacia Fraternity places an emphasis on their academics that encourages them to do better in school.  As stated previously, as an Acacian, you will have an order of priorities.  The order of priorities for an Acacian are: 1) Scholastics, 2) Acacia, and 3) all other campus activities.  These priorities have been established so that we as a fraternity can ensure that our members are academically successful.

In addition to priorities, the Acacia Fraternity Foundation provided over $250,000 in scholarships and education grants to Acacia Fraternity in the 2007-2008 year.  An investment in our members today, means a stronger and better country in the years to come!

Q: Can I join more than one fraternity?

A: No. As per the regulations of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (to which most international fraternities are a member of), you are unable to join more than one college social fraternity.  This is due to the ritual, symbolisms and lessons that each fraternity teaches to its members and wants to keep private.  This differs only in the case of professional fraternities.  If you are unsure or have questions on this, please, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to provide further explanation. 

Q: How do I join?

A: If you are interested in joining or coming out to learn more about what Acacia Fraternity has to offer, please, contact any of our members or coordinators and we will be more than glad to discuss Acacia.  If you prefer, you can fill out the Recruitment Contact Form located on the website or by clicking here and your question will be sent directly to us for a prompt response.