Overview

Microsoft Copilot Chat is a conversational, AI-powered assistant that helps boost productivity and streamline workflows by helping to create documents, analyze[ data, offer quick research insights, manage projects, and more. Currently, Copilot’s language model is integrated with both Open AI’s GPT and Anthropic’s Claude technology for response and processing.

All USF students, faculty and staff have access to Copilot Chat (Basic), and all engagement with Copilot through your USF accounts occurs in a highly safe, encrypted digital environment. Your chat and data are private to you and whoever you choose to share them with.

Additionally, you may purchase an upgraded M365 Copilot (Premium) license through your department to expand your Copilot abilities. 

What version of Copilot is best for me?

Copilot Chat Basic (web grounding): Uses trusted public web sources and uploaded files to generate responses.

Microsoft 365 Copilot (work grounding): Uses the work data you already have access to—such as emails, files, chats, meetings, and sites—to generate responses. This Copilot experience is also more integrated directly into your M365 apps.

Learn more about the two here: https://genai.usf.edu/genai-resources/tools

If you are interested in acquiring a premium license, please visit:[GB1]  https://software.usf.edu/copilot-for-microsoft-365.

Accessing Microsoft Copilot Chat

Visit http://office.com while signed in with your USF credentials to quickly reach your Microsoft Copilot Chat dashboard. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so along with MFA verification.

You should see the green shield ‘Protected’ icon on the page and in the side navigation. This verifies that you are working safely within USF’s protected Microsoft Copilot Chat experience.

Open

Limitations

• Microsoft Copilot Chat is available for USF students, faculty, and staff. Visit University Guidance | University of South Florida for USF guidance on the ethical use of generative AI.

• While data is protected within the USF ecosystem and not passed on to Microsoft, know that encrypted, de-identified prompts may be processed on servers outside the United States. Thus, if funding restrictions require all data to be housed within the United States, Microsoft Copilot Chat should not be used.

• Microsoft Copilot Chat cannot be used to develop new similar or competing products, nor reverse engineered.

• Microsoft Copilot Chat uses the latest language models from OpenAI and Anthropic. As with all generative AI tools, the following considerations should always be employed:

  • Verify facts and cross-check information, as generative AI models can create incorrect information. You are still responsible for the validity and usefulness of the content generated by these AI tools.

  • Remember that models generate content based on training that can include biases. Be aware of this potential and actively work to ensure negative impacts are minimized.

  • Generative AI is not a replacement for critical thinking. Use these tools to complement your ideation, brainstorming, and own creativity. Ensure your unique voice remains centered in your work.

  • Respect copyright and original authorship, ensuring that information is properly cited, and original works are credited.

  • Understand that Microsoft Copilot Chat is subject to changes in features and availability as developed by Microsoft.

Support

For support with Microsoft Copilot Chat or to provide feedback visit https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/overview

For issues signing in using your USF credentials, please contact the USF Service Desk.