Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat Enterprise), a generative artificial intelligence chat platform, is currently available at no cost to University of Utah and University of Utah Health staff and faculty as part of the university’s A5-tier Microsoft Campus Agreement. Students in degree-granting programs will have access beginning in February 2024.
Microsoft Copilot uses GPT-4, a language model created by ChatGPT creator OpenAI, to “optimize internet searches and enhance information discovery,” according to Clayton Norlen, a product manager for IT Product Management in the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) organization.
Though Microsoft Copilot refers to a specific AI chatbot, it belongs to a broader suite of generative AI-based Copilot products owned by Microsoft.
“Think of Microsoft Copilot as a super-charged search engine,” said Shawn Halladay, associate director for Hardware Platform Services in the CTO organization. “The concept is that you’re the ‘pilot,’ and Microsoft Copilot is your digital assistant. The AI-enabled tool can help you gather information, brainstorm ideas, create content, and complete tasks that are part of everyday work, studies, and research, like drafting an email or creating a presentation.”
Microsoft Copilot provides commercial data protection, however, sensitive or restricted data, including protected health information (PHI) and employee and student information, should never be shared through Microsoft Copilot chat (access Policy 4-004: University of Utah Information Security for more information). In addition, to help University of Utah Health maintain the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality, using Microsoft Copilot for patient-related activity is prohibited.
“I’m excited the university can provide generative AI that provides basic privacy and user protections,” Norlen said. “Interest in AI continues to grow and Microsoft Copilot is a great tool to play and experiment in the space.”
To start using Microsoft Copilot:
- Visit bing.com/chat.
- Note: Microsoft Copilot is also accessible via the sidebar in Microsoft Edge.
- Select “sign in with a work or school account” under the Sign in icon in the upper right corner of the page.
- Enter your unid@umail.utah.edu and uNID password.
- Complete Duo two-factor authentication.
- The conversation is protected when a green shield appears in the upper right corner next to your username. It is critical to verify that the green shield is present for all conversations.
If you have questions about Microsoft Copilot, please contact the U of U Automation Center of Excellence (ACoE) at ACoE@hsc.utah.edu.
Additional resources
Microsoft Copilot vendor tip sheets in SharePoint (login required):
- What is Copilot, and how can faculty make the most of it?
- 5 tips for making the most of Copilot at work
- An interactive introduction to Copilot
Information about AI use at the U: