MSU's Residence Halls Association wants students' attention.

The association is toying with the idea of distributing flyers, placing more ads and creating events that will draw the public and also benefit charities.

"Using our power for good is something I would like to do if the budget will allow it," said Public Relations Director Brian Winters.

The organization has about 50 members who represent residence hall residents and campus groups.

Winters says he hopes to get the word out about things such as RHA's Wednesday night meetings, and its Web site.

Students can have a say in the organization's functions if they are informed and involved, he said.

Budget shortfalls and accounting practices have caused controversy in past months and are a major reason why RHA officials are looking to improve the group's image, Winters said.

RHA's on-campus free movie rental offices shut down last spring after RHA officials announced it overspent its $82,500 movie budget by about $10,595. The movie offices reopened in October.

RHA President Tim Liss said Winters' job is vital to the organization, especially with last year's mistakes still clinging to its reputation.

"I agree with all the ideas Brian has in the works," Liss said.

"We've all discussed the possibilities and I think we've got an amazing semester ahead of us."

Public relations is the right place to work from in order to continue revamping their image, Liss said.

"It's vital to let residents know about the services we're providing and things we're doing," he said.

And RHA has spent the last year trying to do that, Winters said.

"Things like the Eminem concert definitely helped to get us some recognition," he said.

Rapper Eminem appeared on campus at an RHA-sponsored showing of the movie "8 Mile" in October.

With the renovation of the on-campus movie rental facilities, the organization has made it official that Phillips Hall will receive a movie office.