Microsoft 365 Copilot - Overview and Key Features

Microsoft Copilot is a generative AI (GAI) tool that helps users interact more efficiently with data, generate content, and automate tasks using natural language commands.

Microsoft Copilot Features

Generative AI Assistance

Microsoft Copilot leverages AI to assist with your day-to-day work such as:

  • Creating original content like as text, images, videos, audio, or even software code.
  • Automating tasks to draft emails or documents, summarize data, and do other routine work using natural language commands.
  • Producing better refined search results including actionable steps and instructions.
    NOTE: Features may vary.

Cloud-based Security

Microsoft 365 Copilot for enterprise follows the same data protection standards and privacy commitments as other Microsoft 365 services.  It is licensed and under contract by UWSP, so it is safe to use with Institutional data, including FERPA related data.  However, since we do not have a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with Microsoft on CoPilot, we can not put any Restricted (High Risk) information into it.  Additionally, you should be careful of sharing results with others.  Be extremely careful of sharing AI results with others, especially those outside of UWSP.

NOTE: UWSP's version of Copilot does not integrate directly into Office programs.  This would require an extra license at $18 per user, per month.

Best Practices For Copilot Use

When Using Copilot

  • Do not input any Restricted (High Risk) information (which includes FERPA-protected data), or sensitive university data.
  • Do use Microsoft 365 Copilot for general-purpose tasks such as report generation, brainstorming, and creating non-sensitive documentation.
  • Always verify the output for accuracy and relevance to your task.
 

Maintaining Data Security and Compliance In Your Work

UWSP's licensed enterprise version of Microsoft Copilot requires authentication through your UWSP account and has measures in place to prevent unauthorized data access. However, UWSP employees remain responsible for the appropriate handling of sensitive data according to UW System Administrative Policy 1031: Information Security: Data Classification and Data Classification Examples in all work scenarios.

When using Generative AI:

  • UWSP employees must not share or process Restricted (High Risk) data using Microsoft Copilot or any other generative IA tool.

This includes:

  • UWSP employees are allowed to use the secure version of Microsoft Copilot ​​​​​​to process Sensitive (Moderate Risk) information but must be careful of sharing results beyond the scope of their UWSP work.
     

 

Additional GAI Resources
 

Universities Of Wisconsin Guidance Document On The Use Of Generative AI

See Guidance on the Use of Generative AI at the Universities of Wisconsin.
 

UWSP Handbook Classroom Usage Policy For Generative AI

See Chapter 5, Section 10- Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Classroom Usage Policy for both students and instructors.
 

For help or additional information on secure data usage, please submit a ticket through the IT Self Service Portal.

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