How to: Use Copilot for Microsoft 365 

Please be aware when using Copilot for Microsoft 365 that, like most AI generative tools, the responses aren’t guaranteed to be 100% factual. It is strongly recommended to fact-check all responses and for users to use their best judgment when reviewing the output before sending responses to others. 

When using Copilot for Microsoft 365, all university users must adhere to appropriate data security policies and standards. Learn more on the Information Security – AI web page and  USC Data Security Policy. 

Learn more about AI on the ITS AI website.  

How Data is Used and Stored 

Copilot for Microsoft 365 presents only data that each individual can access using the same controls and access used for your other Microsoft 365 applications. Users can also delete their Copilot interaction history, which includes your prompts and the responses Copilot returns, by going to the My Account portal in Copilot for Microsoft 365. For more information, see Delete your Microsoft Copilot interaction history. 

License Costs and Request Process 

Cost Overview: 

  • The cost for Microsoft 365 Copilot license fee is $30 per user per month. 
  • Faculty or staff members interested in using Copilot should reach out to their local IT department for approval. 
  • The local IT team must approve each request, place the order for licenses, and notify ITS of which accounts need to be licensed. 

Steps for License Request: 

  1. Contact the local IT department: Each USC school or administrative unit has a designated point of contact (POC) responsible for placing licensing orders and coordinating orders with ITS. 
  2. Request a Quote: The POC contacts the USC account manager at CDWG and requests a quote for the desired quantity of each type of ad hoc license. 
  3. Submit Requisition and Purchase Order: Based on the quote, the POC submits a requisition and purchase order. 
  4. Receive Licenses: Once CDWG receives the purchase order, they submit the order to Microsoft. The licenses become available to assign when Microsoft processes the order. 
  5. License Assignments: The POC submits a request to ITS Collaboration Services indicating the user accounts that should be assigned the licenses. The Collaboration engineer assigns the licenses to the designated accounts.
    • After the license has been assigned, an email will be sent to the user with instructions on how to access and use Microsoft 365 Copilot.
    • Click here to view a sample of the Welcome to Microsoft 365 Copilot email. 

Please review the Process for Purchasing and Assigning Microsoft 365 Ad Hoc Online Licenses document. 

Use Cases 

  • Content Creation: Copilot can assist in drafting course materials, lesson plans, presentations, research papers, and lecture notes. 
  • Writing Assistance: Essay reviews, suggesting improvements in grammar, structure, and clarity, and providing feedback for better writing quality. Creatively updating the tone, style, and voice of essays. 
  • Summarization: Summarizing academic articles, research papers, and book chapters. 
  • Translation: Translating text between over 25 languages. 
  • Organizing Email: Summarizing email conversation threads and prioritizing emails. 
  • Data Analysis: Analyze and visualize data in Microsoft Excel. 
  • Meeting Optimization (via Teams): Copilot aids in organizing meeting agendas, summarizing discussions, capturing action items, and providing relevant information in real-time, facilitating efficient collaboration and follow-ups. 
  • Need Assistance? 

If you have any questions or concerns about using Microsoft 365 Copilot or need support, please contact the IT Help Desk at consult@usc.edu or 213-740-5555. 

Additional Resources and Links