Living on campus? You'll want to get to know the Residence Halls Association.

The association, commonly known as RHA, represents 14,000 students in 23 residence halls and financially manages 47 student organizations on campus.

"We sit in that room, and we evaluate decisions that affect students' lives," RHA President Mark Dobson said. "In many ways, it's like a small city."

Freshmen facing their first weekends away from the familiar faces and places of home need look no further than RHA to find activities to fill their time, make new friends and help them become acclimated to the atmosphere of a major university.

Founded in 1969, RHA serves as the official student government for students living on campus.

"We are tax collecting — we collect those taxes, and we turn them around and produce some pretty unique services and some pretty strong autonomous representation," Dobson said.

A political theory junior, Dobson first became involved with RHA during his freshman year by working on a safety program sponsored by the association. He returned his sophomore year as a representative, was elected to vice president and then to his current position.

RHA organizes several events for on-campus students, including movies and concerts. The RHA movie offices rent movies for a small fee each year, with locations in Akers, Brody, Gilchrist, Holden and Mason halls. The organization also helps to run Campus Center Cinemas in Wells Hall, which shows popular blockbusters for free for on-campus students and independent films for less than $5.

RHA brings bands such as Mae and artists such as Ben Folds to campus, with discounted tickets for students. RHA TV allows residents to watch movies in their dorms, as well as catch campus news from student-run Focal Point and a variety of shows by MSU Telecasters.

Psychology freshman Angie Hyatt and packaging sophomore Courtney Parsons live in Butterfield Hall and are fans of the low prices and range of events RHA offers.

"We do everything," they said in unison.

Hyatt said the program is a big help for freshmen who are new to the area.

"It has integrated you into East Lansing," she said. "You don't have to go hunting for stuff."

The association's health and safety program works with Olin Health Center and students on campus to promote safe practices through advocacy. The association also communicates with university administrators on behalf of the resident population to discuss issues important tostudents.

The RHA Help Desk was established last year as an e-mail service for on-campus students. Students may send an inquiry they have about the association or the university, and a member of RHA will respond as soon as possible.

Dobson said he hopes to expand the program before the 2007-08 academic year.

"We really encourage incoming freshmen to get involved with RHA on some level," Dobson said. "A lot of students that come to MSU are already leaders in their school. There is always that opportunity to continue."

Paul Goldblatt, director of Residence Life and RHA adviser, said the program helps students succeed outside the classroom.

"A lot of times, many of our leaders have gone on to be leaders in other areas," Goldblatt said. "What we see is RHA provides a great opportunity for students to hone their leadership skills and take that to other organizations."