Quick Start

Available to: Students, Faculty, Staff

Cost: No cost

Microsoft Copilot

With the rise of numerous GenAI-based tools, it is important to know how to choose a tool that works best for your work. Microsoft Copilot, a generative AI tool with capabilities like the free versions of ChatGPT and DALL-E, is available to all staff, faculty, and students at no additional cost under BU’s enterprise Microsoft license.

Please note that licensing for other Microsoft Copilot products such as Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Copilot Studio is not yet available.

Benefits

The data you share while using this tool will not be saved or used for training the Large Language Model (LLM). Look for your BU email address and the words “Protected” on top of the Microsoft Copilot landing page to verify that you are using BU’s enterprise version.

At this time, we are still assessing the security of this tool and request that you do not share Confidential and Restricted Use University data with Microsoft Copilot.

 

Key Features

  • AI-Powered Productivity: Microsoft Copilot is a smart, AI-powered productivity tool that assists you in navigating your workday with ease. It provides personalized recommendations, tips, and insights based on your work patterns, preferences, and habits.
  • Conversational Interface: Copilot utilizes the Microsoft Prometheus model, which is built upon OpenAI’s GPT-4 foundational large language model. Its conversational interface style resembles that of ChatGPT, allowing it to communicate in numerous languages and dialects.

What to Expect

Microsoft Copilot prioritizes data privacy and security. Here are some key aspects:

  • Data Encryption: Copilot ensures that all data transmitted between the user’s device and Microsoft servers is encrypted using industry-standard protocols. This safeguards information from unauthorized access during transit.
  • User Consent: Copilot operates based on user consent. It doesn’t process any data without explicit permission. Users control what information they share with the tool.
  • Anonymization: Copilot anonymizes data during training. It doesn’t retain personal identifiers or sensitive information about individual users.
  • Aggregated Learning: Copilot learns from aggregated patterns across a large user base. It doesn’t focus on specific individuals, maintaining privacy.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Microsoft adheres to global data protection regulations (such as GDPR and CCPA) to protect user privacy. Copilot aligns with these standards.

Requirements

  • You must be an actively enrolled BU student, faculty, or staff member with a Microsoft 365 license.

Cost

Microsoft Copilot is available at no cost to students, faculty, and staff with a valid Microsoft 365 license.

Getting Started