Copilot at WWU

Western IT administrators manage Copilot for all our Microsoft 365 users to better ensure individual data privacy, secure enterprise data, all while providing essential enhancements to the Microsoft 365 experience. Enhancements to M365 include but are not limited to meeting facilitation, comprehensive search, and data summarization. See learning resources for more information. Data used by Copilot is protected through Microsoft 365’s security and compliance features, and the tool respects existing permissions, including FERPA-protected information. 

The university maintains review processes for all external AI tools, requiring security and software evaluations before campuswide adoption. Additionally, AI can enhance digital equity by supporting universal design for learning (UDL). Copliot support for UDL includes offering supplemental accessibility options by enabling customized engagement, generating varied content representations like text-to-speech and translation, and offers multiple avenues for action and expression. For more information about how AI supports the UDL guidelines click here. Students seeking accommodations can contact Western’s Disability Access Center.

AI use is not always acceptable for use in each class or for every educator. Check your rubric or speak with your professor about what is allowed in your class to ensure academic honesty compliance. 

Copilot cannot replace humans’ critical thinking skills or understanding of complex queries or situations. It also may not fully comprehend or provide advice on specialized academic subjects at the same depth of understanding that a human expert could and is not designed to replace human contributions. In addition to this, generative AI can produce images and draft content but lacks the creativity, originality, and unique creations of humans. You should always review AI-generated content for accuracy and ensure it is appropriate. In order to do this, you need to have a strong foundational understanding of the subject matter.

The basic version of Copilot is available through your WWU account, but Copilot Premium can be purchased for an extra cost if you have a qualifying academic use. To see more information about the different versions of Copilot at WWU click here. Request Copilot Premium here.

For more information about AI use at Western, check out the AI Hub.