Overview
Copilot for M365 is in a pilot phase with a pre-selected group of employees across the university.
What is Copilot for Microsoft 365?
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tool that is embedded into many of the Microsoft 365 applications you already use. Here are some ways Copilot for Microsoft is being tested:
- Writing Assistance:
- Word: It provides grammar and style suggestions as you write documents.
- Outlook: Helps compose professional emails and suggests relevant phrases.
- OneNote: Offers ideas for note taking and organization.
- Data Analysis:
- Excel: Generates formulas, charts, and pivot tables based on your data.
- PowerPoint: Suggests slide layouts and content for presentations.
- Collaboration:
- Teams: Provides real-time suggestions during chats and meetings.
- SharePoint: Assists with content creation and management.
- Security and Compliance:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot helps identify potential security risks and compliance violations in your documents and communications.
Is the content that Copilot for Microsoft 365 produces original?
Copilot crafts content based on data found throughout the internet as well as Microsoft’s database of Bing search results. Sometimes the responses you receive will be very similar to existing internet content. Copilot is designed to provide references to the content, and you should always review the responses for accuracy. Copilot can also generate similar content for multiple people who are prompting (asking) Copilot in the same way.
What are the differences between Microsoft Copilot and Copilot for Microsoft 365?
Microsoft Copilot is a web-based AI assistant that helps you write text, handle tasks, give advice, and more. It is available in both a paid, protected version and a free version. The protected version of Microsoft Copilot is included with Microsoft's A5 licensing at no additional charge to Texas A&M students and employees. To use the protected version, make sure you are logged in with your NetID and password. The protected version does not use your data to train Microsoft's other AI models. A free, non-protected version of Microsoft Copilot is also available, but we do not recommend using it with university data.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a separate, but similar product that is embedded into popular apps (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.) offering a more integrated experience with AI. It is available to Texas A&M employees for an additional fee.
How can I use AI in my everyday work?
AI is designed to make certain tasks more efficient (especially routine tasks). AI may not be able to handle more complex tasks that require human judgment, decision-making, and creativity. AI can help you with drafting communications, analyzing data, and assisting you in your everyday work. It is important to review, edit, and approve the content AI has created.
Where can I find detailed information on privacy within Copilot and Microsoft 365?
Copilot and Microsoft 365 are built on Microsoft's holistic approach to security, compliance, and privacy. To find detailed information of privacy measures and practices, read Microsoft’s Data, Privacy, and Security documentation for Copilot for Microsoft 365 https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy.
What other AI resources are available at Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University has created multiple initiatives to equip faculty, staff, and students with knowledge of Generative AI. Learn more at https://ai.tamu.edu/.
Can I use Copilot with files saved on my computer?
No, the Copilot button will not be active for files saved directly on your computer or saved as unsupported file types.
Is it necessary for the document to be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint to use Copilot?
Yes, for the Copilot features to be available, the document must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. It cannot be a file simply located on your desktop