Microsoft Copilot
- Michael Hughes
Microsoft Copilot is an advanced AI-powered assistant designed to provide information, answer questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with users. It’s a feature within Bing that uses cutting-edge technology to deliver relevant and useful responses. It’s like having a knowledgeable companion at your fingertips, ready to assist you with a wide range of topics.
Copilot is also the name of a sute of AI Powered assistants you may find in other Microsoft tools (aka Copilot for Microsoft 365).
It is available to all members of University staff.
Supplier | Microsoft Corp |
|---|---|
Supplier Web Site |
|
Licenses / Terms of Use | |
Institutional License for Use | Yes (caution) Copilot is included as part of Microsoft Bing Search, and covered by Commercial Data Protection license. |
Personally Licensable | Yes |
Content used to train model | NO |
RED Indicates a warning / inappropriate use | Yellow Indicates a caution. | Green Acceptable |
Questions
What can Copilot do?
Copilot can be used in numerous ways. For instance, it can help with academic research by providing detailed explanations on complex topics, assist in learning new languages by offering translations, or even aid in coding by suggesting code snippets. It’s also capable of generating creative content such as poems, stories, and more. The possibilities are vast, making Copilot a versatile tool for University staff.
Who can use Copilot?
Users at the University of Strathclyde are able to access Microsoft Copilot for Bing Chat via the Microsoft Edge browser.
Currently under 18s are not permitted to use the Enterprise versions of Copilot without Parental Consent. This situation is currently under review.
Consumer versions of Copilot may be used by Over 18s, or younger with parent/legal guardian permission.
What Copilots are there?
Microsoft Copilot is a collection of a number of different Copilots that support different Microsoft tools and suites. You can find Copilots for (non-exhaustive):
Copilot - Online & integrated in to Microsoft Windows
Copilot for Microsoft 365
Word
Excel
Powerpoint
Power BI
Power Automate
Github
Can I use Microsoft Copilot with my day-to-day work?
YES However you are only covered by the Commercial Data Protected License if you have logged in with your University Microsoft Account.
If you are offered a choice, you should select the “Sign in with a work or school account”
The green shield should indicate that you are covered by the Commercial data protection:
However you should still be cautious about about what data you share.
Can I use Microsoft Copilot for Office 365?
NO Currently the Microsoft Copilot for Office 365 is not licensed by the University of Strathclyde at the moment.
Use of Microsoft Copilot for Office 365 that you have personally licensed, even if you use your University of Strathclyde email address, is not covered under the University’s licensing of Microsoft products.
Other Copilots
This guidance is not exhaustive.
MAYBE Where Copilot has been integrated into other Microsoft Products you may be able to legitimately use the feature.
In some cases Copilot provides mechanisms to help the use of the Product, and would not necessarily be problematic.
However any case where personal, confidential or otherwise sensitive data would be made available should be avoided.