Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot is an AI-powered assistant embedded within Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. It enhances productivity by using natural language to help users create documents, analyze data, generate presentations, and collaborate in real time. M365 Copilot leverages Microsoft’s AI framework and existing organizational data (such as OneDrive, SharePoint, and Exchange) to provide personalized, context-aware responses without exposing content outside your organization’s compliance boundaries. 

NOTE: USC faculty and staff have access to Copilot, Microsoft’s consumer-facing AI assistant, using their @usc.edu account. For advanced features such as deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps and secure access to organizational data, Microsoft 365 Copilot is available at an additional cost. Copilot is not available to iVIPs, who are provisioned with free licensing that does not include the downloadable Office applications.

Features

Copilot offers a wide range of benefits for higher education institutions, including increased efficiency, improved document drafting, automated data analysis, and streamlined workflows. However, there are also important considerations: 

  • Benefits: Faculty can use M365 Copilot to generate lesson plans, analyze research data, and create reports. Staff can improve document management, automate repetitive tasks, and generate content faster. 
  • Risks: M365 Copilot relies on organizational data, so users must follow USC policies and standards for information security and compliance. Over-reliance on AI-generated content without human oversight could result in inaccuracies. 
  • Responsibilities: Faculty and staff are responsible for adhering to university policies on data sharing and security. They must follow responsible AI usage guidelines to minimize risks and ensure the accuracy and compliance of AI-generated content as if they had created the content on their own. 

Eligibility

  • All USC faculty and staff
  • Faculty and Staff can request approval for M365 Copilot from their local IT department.  Local IT teams should follow the guidelines outlined in the document “Process for Purchasing and Assigning Microsoft 365 Ad Hoc Online Licenses,” which involves approval by local IT leaders and coordinating with the Information Technology Services (ITS) department to assign the necessary licenses. 

Helpful Links

Additional Resources and Links 

ITS Support 

  • The ITS Service Desk provides support to the USC community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
  • Call (213) 740-5555 and choose option 2 to receive assistance. Please note that some requests may require a government ID for user verification.
  • Report an Issue on the ITS Service Portal.
  • Search for information on the ITS Service Portal.