Microsoft 365 Copilot License Available for UIC Faculty and Staff
Technology Solutions is excited to announce the availability of Microsoft 365 Copilot - the only currently approved Generative AI (GenAI) environment for use with non-public university data - and share updates on the upcoming availability of additional GenAI tools.
While there are many tools in the market today, those approved for use with UIC data are the result of extensive research into the offerings of current and potential partners, rigorous vetting for security and privacy compliance, and guidance from our UIC AI Advisory Group.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed to enhance productivity and streamline various tasks within the Microsoft 365 environment. It provides both a chat interface (such as ChatGPT/DALL-E) as well as unique integrations into Microsoft applications, such as Outlook, Teams, and many Office apps. General information on the product may be found at Microsoft 365 Copilot.
GenAI Guidelines for usage for UIC Faculty and Staff Heading link
While these tools offer significant benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls and use them responsibly:
Data Privacy and Confidentiality:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot is the only currently approved GenAI environment for use with non-public university data
- The use of any AI when conducting human-subjects research requires prospectiveInstitutional Review Board (IRB) Researchers should work with the board for approval to use AI before using any AI tools or services. If you have questions about the use of AI in research, please email the UIC Office for the Protection of Research Subjects at uicirb@uic.edu.
- UI Health staff also should follow guidance from the UIC Office for the Protection of Research Subjects.
Accuracy and Verification:
- Always review and verify AI-generated content for accuracy
- AI can make mistakes or produce biased results, making human oversight crucial
Attribution and Transparency:
- Clearly disclose when AI tools have been used in creating content, especially in academic or official documents
- Do not present AI-generated work as entirely your own
Ethical Considerations:
- Use AI tools to augment your work, not to replace critical thinking or decision-making
- Be aware of potential biases in AI systems and strive for fairness and inclusivity
Professional Development:
- Engage in training and stay informed about AI capabilities and limitations
- Share best practices and experiences with colleagues
Academic Integrity:
- Faculty should update course policies to address the use of AI tools in coursework
- Students must be clearly informed about acceptable uses of AI in their assignments
Continuous Evaluation:
- Regularly assess the impact of AI tools on your work and our institutional practices
- Provide feedback to Technology Solutions to help improve our AI implementation strategies at the UIC Help Center Ask-a-question
The Difference Between Microsoft 365 Copilot versus Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat Heading link
Be aware of the difference between Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is available free of charge to all UIC faculty and staff. Login using your NetID and password at m365.cloud.microsoft/chat
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is designed for interactive, conversational engagement. Individuals can ask questions, seek advice, and engage in meaningful conversations with Copilot Chat. It provides a chat-based interface for individuals to interact with the AI.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft 365 Copilot is a paid add-in for the Microsoft 365 environment and has an annual cost of $402 per person. Unlike Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot provides unique integrations into Microsoft applications. The Microsoft 365 Copilot personal assistant is integrated into Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications.
This integration enhances collaboration by summarizing information across different Microsoft 365 tools leveraging our organization’s data securely while maintaining privacy. Microsoft 365 Copilot works within individual apps to assist with specific tasks.
- Word: Generates and edits documents
- Excel: Analyzes data, creates charts
- Outlook: Summarizes emails, suggests responses
- Teams: Recaps meetings, suggests action items
How to purchase a license for Microsoft 365 Copilot Heading link
Copilot is a paid add-in for the Microsoft 365 environment and has an annual cost of $402 per user. However, the cost is currently prorated to $133 per user for the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year.
The UIC license may be purchased via the UIC Webstore Microsoft M365 Copilot Edu Per User Chicago (Expires 06/30/2025) License page.
Where to learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot Heading link
Training on the proper use of Microsoft 365 Copilot is highly encouraged.
Microsoft Courses
Training provided by Microsoft may be found on the Microsoft Events page.
LinkedIn Learning Courses
Certification courses are available on LinkedIn Learning. Login using your NetID and password.
Have Feedback or Questions? Heading link
As you experiment with AI tools, please share your feedback, needs, use cases, and questions with us at cio@uic.edu. Your feedback is crucial to future decisions on resource allocation in support of these tools.