TXST True Crime Collective
MISSION STATEMENT
The True Crime Collective is a low-key, welcoming space for students to dig into true crime cases. We talk about motives, patterns, and the “why” behind crimes while thinking about cause-and-effect and how society, media, and the legal system play a role. Members can share reactions, reflect on cases, and discuss different perspectives — all in a respectful, ethical way. The goal is to learn, analyze, and have meaningful conversations without glorifying anyone or being insensitive.
CORE PRINCIPLES
- Story-Driven Exploration – We approach cases like stories, giving context and details so everyone understands the bigger picture.
- Ethical Theorizing & Speculation – “What-if” discussions are welcome, but always with respect and awareness of real people affected.
- Evidence & Analysis – Base conversations on facts from credible sources; clearly separate speculation from evidence.
- Engaged Reflection – Members can share thoughts, feelings, or reactions in a safe and open space.
- Critical Thinking & Context – Look at the psychological, societal, legal, and media sides of each case.
- Safe & Inclusive Environment – Content warnings for graphic material; anyone can step out if needed.
MEETING LOCATION / TIME
Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM, beginning on 2/4/2026, in Hines 206
QUESTIONS?
For more information, please contact Dr. H. Jaymi Elsass.
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of Undergraduate and Graduate students of Criminal Justice and related fields. The goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership, and unity. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society which is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
***Please note, the Chapter is NOT currently accepting new members.***
For more information, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Bumgarner.
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
We are a professional co-ed fraternity who are interested and focused in a career within the Criminal Justice field. We dedicate ourselves to networking with law professionals, community service, fundraising, and expanding opportunities for our brothers and sisters within the field of Criminal Justice. An example of an opportunity we offer is the honor for our members to practice shooting under the guidance of San Marcos Police Department. We also hold a retreat and banquet every semester to celebrate and enjoy our Lambda Alpha Epsilon family.
If you have any questions about Lambda Alpha Epsilon on how to get started, please contact one or both of our pledge educators:
Kate Brown: sry38@txstate.edu
Cali Hernandez: got10@txstate.edu
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Requirements
- Must be a Texas State University student.
- Graduate or Undergraduate
- Must have a minimum of 2.25 Texas State GPA.
- Cannot be joining the same semester that you are graduating.
- Example: if you graduate in December 2017, you cannot join during the spring semester prior to your graduating summer semester.
- Must come to Monday meetings at 5:30 in room 207 in the Hines building.
- Must accumulate 14 hours of community service and 7 hours of fundraising throughout the semester.
- Half of your community service hours as well as fundraising hours must be completed with at least one active member of Lambda Alpha Epsilon.
- Must pay a membership fee of $200.
- Must learn all information presented by the pledge educators.
- Must pass the interview process.
- If the majority of Lambda Alpha Epsilon members anonymously vote "yes" for your membership, you are then an active member of Lambda Alpha Epsilon.
- If you do not pay your membership fee before the interview day, you are not allowed to interview.
- Must be a Texas State University student.
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Officers of Lambda Alpha Epsilon
President: Cruz Aleman
Vice President: Emma Paff
Secretary: Riley Morris
Treasurer: Grayson Howard
Historian: Paige Villa
Sergeant at Arms: Sarah Arendell
Pledge Educators: Kate Brown and Calissa Hernandez