Members of the Residence Halls Association held a question-and-answer session with Provost Kim Wilcox and planned to elect a new vice president at its meeting Wednesday.

It was the first time Wilcox was back in Holmes Hall, where the meeting was held, since he was a student at MSU in 1976.

"(Wilcox) has not been a presenter before," RHA President Kevin Newman said. "It's exciting."

Wilcox fielded questions from members about a proposed new residential college in arts and humanities, the Office of Chicano and Latino Studies, a lack of public speaking courses on campus, more opportunities for tutoring and gaining academic minors instead of specializations.

"I mostly wanted to hear what was important to you and hear what your concerns are," Wilcox told RHA members. "It's important to have a chance to hear from student groups about different issues."

Newman said having administrators speak to RHA benefits both groups.

"(The administrators) directly hear student concerns and get student feedback," Newman said, adding that students can also hear concerns from administrators. "We hope to really make some progress with issues that are affecting everyone."

Wilcox said it was part of his job to make MSU the most effective institution it can be.

He mentioned that he doesn't have a lot of experience with a few issues brought up at the meeting, such as public speaking courses.

Wilcox assumed his position Aug. 1.

RHA also resolved the issue of electing this year's vice president at Wednesday's meeting.

The position opened in late September with the resignation of former RHA Vice President David Sahlin.