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Microsoft Copilot AI chat service for Emory community launches
futuristic buildings

The new tool provides intelligent assistance across a wide range of tasks, including generating graphics. This one was generated based on the instruction, “Create a futuristic image of the Emory University campus.”

The Emory Office of Information Technology (OIT) is introducing a new tool that promises to significantly impact how the Emory community approaches innovation and collaboration across the enterprise. In collaboration with the Responsible AI Executive Governance Committee, OIT has launched Microsoft Copilot, a secure generative AI chat companion designed to enhance productivity, creativity and communication.

Microsoft Copilot offers an Emory-specific instance of an AI-powered platform that leverages OpenAI’s ChatGPT4 technology (formerly “Bing Chat Enterprise”). The Emory platform is a protected environment that provides greater security for Emory user and business data than external AI chat tools. The service is now available to all members of Emory University and Emory Healthcare.

“Emory aims to be on the forefront of using data and AI responsibly to help reduce administrative burden and enhance productivity for our faculty, staff, students, researchers and clinical care teams,” says Joe Depa, Emory senior vice president, chief data and AI officer and co-chair of the Responsible AI Executive Governance Committee. “We are delighted to offer Microsoft Copilot to allow our organization to leverage the next era of data and AI.”


What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered chat tool that provides intelligent assistance across a wide range of tasks. It is similar to other generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude.

Note: Microsoft offers multiple versions of Copilot. This version is the Bing Chat Enterprise version, not Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Secure and no-cost to users: Once you’ve logged in with your Emory credentials, interactions with Copilot are confidential, and Microsoft does not store any of the data. Plus, it offers versions of the cutting-edge OpenAI models, including ChatGPT4 and Dall-E3, at no cost to Emory users.
  • Emory data-friendly: Microsoft Copilot enables the secure use of ChatGPT4 with any type of Emory data except for personal health information (PHI) or individual health information (IHI). Emory faculty or staff members who have a need to use generative AI tools with Emory data are strongly encouraged to use this official offering rather than other free or commercial options, unless already approved.
  • No data retention: Data in Microsoft Copilot does not retain any data; therefore, unauthorized use of Emory data isn’t possible. Data is only kept within the user’s browser window and is gone when the window is closed.
  • Graphic generator: Microsoft Copilot includes a powerful graphic generator. To access it, simply log in and explore the creative possibilities.

How to access Microsoft Copilot

  • Log in: Visit https://copilot.microsoft.com and click “Sign in” on the upper right. Log in using your Emory credentials. When you have correctly logged in, you will see a green “Protected” indicator near the top of the screen.
  • Start chatting: Once you’re logged in, start a conversation by asking questions, seeking assistance or exploring the tool’s creative capabilities.
  • Explore features: Microsoft Copilot understands natural language and can assist with a variety of tasks, from answering research queries to generating code snippets. 
  • Close when finished: Close your window or tab when you are finished chatting to protect the information if you are on a shared computer.

Responsible use of AI chat services

  • Prepare thoughtfully: Recognize that AI differs from previous technologies. Practice using the tool and understand its capabilities and limitations.
  • Mitigate bias: Be aware of bias in AI systems. Regularly audit and evaluate your chat service to ensure it doesn’t perpetuate harmful biases.
  • Develop ethical guidelines: Create and communicate ethical guidelines for AI use. Address issues like misinformation, hate speech and harmful content. Encourage responsible behavior among staff and users.
  • Ensure academic rigor: Make certain that AI-generated content aligns with academic integrity. Adapt teaching and assessment methods to incorporate ethical use of AI. (See a list of resources from the Center for Faculty Development and Excellence.)
  • Engage in our community: Become involved with others in the Emory community about AI. Discuss best practices, share use cases and collaborate on responsible AI adoption. (Explore opportunities through the Center for AI Learning).

Remember that responsible AI use is an ongoing process. Regularly assess and adapt your practices to align with evolving standards and ethical considerations.

Email the Emory OIT Messaging Team with any questions about Microsoft Copilot.


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