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Microsoft Copilot at FAU: Empowering Productivity with AI
FAU is embracing the future of work with Microsoft Copilot, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and support innovation across campus.
Microsoft Copilot Chat
Copilot Chat is a conversational AI experience available to users with a Microsoft FAU account. It allows you to interact with Copilot in a chat interface to:
- Ask questions
- Generate content
- Upload content and get feedback
Licensing Note: No additional license is required to try Copilot Chat—just sign in with your FAU work account.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates directly into familiar apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. It uses your organizational data—emails, documents, meetings, and more—to help you:
- Draft and refine content
- Analyze data
- Summarize meetings
- Automate repetitive tasks
Licensing Note: Microsoft 365 Copilot is available as an add-on license to Microsoft 365. Departments interested in enabling this functionality should contact OIT for pricing and provisioning details.
Who Can Benefit?
Microsoft Copilot offers tailored support for everyone in our academic community. Select your role to see how Copilot can specifically enhance your daily activities.
For Students
Ace your studies, draft thoughts, and manage notes.
For Faculty
Innovate your teaching, enhance research, and streamline course management.
For Staff
Boost efficiency, improve communications, and automate routine tasks.
Copilot in Action: See What's Possible
Discover practical ways Microsoft Copilot can assist you. Explore common scenarios and see examples of how Copilot can transform your workflow.
Note: The examples below apply to both Copilot Chat and Copilot for Microsoft 365, showcasing how each can enhance productivity in different ways—from quick AI assistance to deeper integration with Microsoft apps.
The examples below show simulated output to demonstrate Copilot's capabilities. To try the prompts yourself in Copilot!
Ace Your Studies with Microsoft Copilot
From drafting papers to summarizing emails, Copilot is your AI study partner.
Drafting & Refining Assignments for Word
Scenario: You need to start a paper or improve a draft, and you're struggling with getting the words just right.
Prompt Example: Draft a 500-word essay outline on the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems, including an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
I. Introduction
• Hook: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities worldwide
• Thesis: Climate change significantly impacts coastal ecosystems through sea level rise, temperature changes, and ocean acidification
II. Body Paragraph 1: Sea Level Rise Effects
• Habitat loss and migration patterns
• Saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems
III. Body Paragraph 2: Temperature Changes
• Coral bleaching and marine biodiversity loss
• Altered breeding cycles
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Ocean Acidification
• Impact on shell-forming organisms
• Food chain disruption
V. Conclusion
• Summary of key impacts
• Call for conservation action
I. Introduction
• Hook: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities worldwide
• Thesis: Climate change significantly impacts coastal ecosystems through sea level rise, temperature changes, and ocean acidification
II. Body Paragraph 1: Sea Level Rise Effects
• Habitat loss and migration patterns
• Saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems
III. Body Paragraph 2: Temperature Changes
• Coral bleaching and marine biodiversity loss
• Altered breeding cycles
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Ocean Acidification
• Impact on shell-forming organisms
• Food chain disruption
V. Conclusion
• Summary of key impacts
• Call for conservation action
Why it's helpful: Overcomes writer's block, provides structured starting points, and helps refine existing text for clarity and conciseness, all within your document.
Summarizing & Understanding Information for Outlook
Scenario: You have a long email thread and need to quickly grasp the key points and action items.
Prompt Example: Summarize this email thread and list any action items assigned to me.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
Email Thread Summary:
• Discussion about group project for Marketing 101
• Meeting scheduled for Friday at 2 PM in Library Room 204
• Professor extended deadline to next Wednesday
Your Action Items:
• Research competitor analysis section (due Monday)
• Bring printed copies of survey results to Friday meeting
• Email Sarah your contact information by Thursday
Email Thread Summary:
• Discussion about group project for Marketing 101
• Meeting scheduled for Friday at 2 PM in Library Room 204
• Professor extended deadline to next Wednesday
Your Action Items:
• Research competitor analysis section (due Monday)
• Bring printed copies of survey results to Friday meeting
• Email Sarah your contact information by Thursday
Try It! You can copy and paste the whole email thread on the Copilot Chat window if you do not have the Microsoft 365 Copilot license for Outlook.
Copy Prompt LAUNCH COPILOT
Why it's helpful: Saves time sifting through lengthy communications, ensures you don't miss critical information, and helps prioritize tasks from conversations.
Generating Ideas & Content for Presentations for PowerPoint
Scenario: You need to create a compelling presentation but don't know where to start or need help visualizing your data.
Prompt Example: Create a presentation about "the benefits of renewable energy sources" for a general audience. Include 5-7 slides with relevant images and speaker notes.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
Slide 1: Title - "The Power of Renewable Energy"
Slide 2: "What is Renewable Energy?" - Definition and types
Slide 3: "Environmental Benefits" - Reduced carbon emissions, cleaner air
Slide 4: "Economic Advantages" - Job creation, energy independence
Slide 5: "Types of Renewable Energy" - Solar, wind, hydro comparison
Slide 6: "Real-World Success Stories" - Case studies
Slide 7: "Taking Action" - How individuals can contribute
Speaker notes included for each slide with talking points and statistics
Slide 1: Title - "The Power of Renewable Energy"
Slide 2: "What is Renewable Energy?" - Definition and types
Slide 3: "Environmental Benefits" - Reduced carbon emissions, cleaner air
Slide 4: "Economic Advantages" - Job creation, energy independence
Slide 5: "Types of Renewable Energy" - Solar, wind, hydro comparison
Slide 6: "Real-World Success Stories" - Case studies
Slide 7: "Taking Action" - How individuals can contribute
Speaker notes included for each slide with talking points and statistics
Why it's helpful: Accelerates presentation creation, provides design suggestions, and helps transform ideas into professional slides effortlessly.
Innovate Your Teaching & Research with Microsoft Copilot
Streamline course preparation, generate engaging activities, and accelerate your research workflow.
Streamlining Course Content & Assessments for Word/PowerPoint
Scenario: You need to create new lecture notes, design a quiz, or develop presentation slides for a course.
Prompt Example: Based on the attached document outlining "principles of effective pedagogy," draft a set of 10 multiple-choice questions for an undergraduate education course.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
1. Which principle emphasizes the importance of connecting new information to students' prior knowledge?
a) Active learning b) Scaffolding c) Assessment for learning d) Inclusive teaching
2. What is the primary goal of formative assessment?
a) Assign grades b) Monitor student progress c) Compare students d) Evaluate teaching effectiveness
3. Which strategy best supports diverse learning styles?
a) Lecture-only format b) Multimodal instruction c) Silent reading d) Standardized tests
(7 additional questions following similar format...)
1. Which principle emphasizes the importance of connecting new information to students' prior knowledge?
a) Active learning b) Scaffolding c) Assessment for learning d) Inclusive teaching
2. What is the primary goal of formative assessment?
a) Assign grades b) Monitor student progress c) Compare students d) Evaluate teaching effectiveness
3. Which strategy best supports diverse learning styles?
a) Lecture-only format b) Multimodal instruction c) Silent reading d) Standardized tests
(7 additional questions following similar format...)
Why it's helpful: Automates content generation for course materials, saving prep time and enabling faster development of quizzes and assignments.
Summarizing Research & Organizing Insights for Word/OneNote
Scenario: You're sifting through numerous research papers or need to synthesize information from various sources for your own work.
Prompt Example: Summarize the key arguments and methodologies from this research paper. Identify potential gaps for future research.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
Key Arguments:
• The study argues that remote learning effectiveness depends on student engagement levels
• Technology access significantly impacts learning outcomes
• Teacher training in digital tools is crucial for success
Methodology:
• Mixed-methods approach with 500 participants
• Pre/post surveys and focus groups
• 12-week longitudinal study
Research Gaps:
• Limited diversity in participant demographics
• Short-term study duration
• Lack of comparison with hybrid learning models
Key Arguments:
• The study argues that remote learning effectiveness depends on student engagement levels
• Technology access significantly impacts learning outcomes
• Teacher training in digital tools is crucial for success
Methodology:
• Mixed-methods approach with 500 participants
• Pre/post surveys and focus groups
• 12-week longitudinal study
Research Gaps:
• Limited diversity in participant demographics
• Short-term study duration
• Lack of comparison with hybrid learning models
Why it's helpful: Accelerates literature reviews, helps extract core insights efficiently, and aids in organizing complex research information.
Enhancing Communication & Collaboration for Outlook/Teams
Scenario: You need to draft a professional announcement for students, summarize a departmental meeting, or quickly get up to speed on a project discussion.
Prompt Example: Draft an email to students outlining the new policy on late assignment submissions, emphasizing the importance of clear communication.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
Subject: Important Update: New Late Assignment Policy
Dear Students,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to inform you of an important update to our course policy regarding late assignment submissions.
New Policy Effective [Date]:
• Late assignments will be accepted up to 48 hours after the deadline
• A 10% penalty will be applied for each day late
• Extensions may be granted for documented emergencies
Clear communication is essential for academic success. If you anticipate difficulties meeting a deadline, please reach out at least 24 hours in advance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Important Update: New Late Assignment Policy
Dear Students,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to inform you of an important update to our course policy regarding late assignment submissions.
New Policy Effective [Date]:
• Late assignments will be accepted up to 48 hours after the deadline
• A 10% penalty will be applied for each day late
• Extensions may be granted for documented emergencies
Clear communication is essential for academic success. If you anticipate difficulties meeting a deadline, please reach out at least 24 hours in advance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why it's helpful: Quickly generates clear, professional communications, summarizes complex discussions, and streamlines information sharing across your teams.
Streamline Your Workflow with Microsoft Copilot
Boost your efficiency, improve communications, and automate routine administrative.
Drafting Official Communications & Reports for Word/Outlook
Scenario: You need to create a formal memo, a detailed report, or a crucial email announcement.
Prompt Example: Draft a memo to all department heads outlining the new travel reimbursement policy, including key changes and submission deadlines.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Department Heads
FROM: [Your Name], [Title]
DATE: [Current Date]
RE: Updated Travel Reimbursement Policy
Key Changes Effective [Date]:
• Pre-approval required for all travel exceeding $500
• Digital receipts now accepted for all expenses
• Reimbursement processing time reduced to 5-7 business days
• New online submission portal: [URL]
Submission Deadlines:
• Monthly travel reports due by the 5th of each month
• Conference travel requests: 30 days advance notice
Please share this information with your staff and contact [Contact] with questions.
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Department Heads
FROM: [Your Name], [Title]
DATE: [Current Date]
RE: Updated Travel Reimbursement Policy
Key Changes Effective [Date]:
• Pre-approval required for all travel exceeding $500
• Digital receipts now accepted for all expenses
• Reimbursement processing time reduced to 5-7 business days
• New online submission portal: [URL]
Submission Deadlines:
• Monthly travel reports due by the 5th of each month
• Conference travel requests: 30 days advance notice
Please share this information with your staff and contact [Contact] with questions.
Why it's helpful: Accelerates the creation of professional documents, ensures clarity and completeness, and standardizes communications.
Summarizing Meetings & Extracting Action Items for Teams
Scenario: You've just finished a long meeting in Teams and need to quickly document decisions and assign tasks.
Prompt Example: Summarize the key discussion points and list all action items with assigned owners and deadlines from this Teams meeting transcript.
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
Meeting Summary:
• Budget approval for new student information system
• Discussion of implementation timeline (6-month rollout)
• Training requirements for staff identified
• Data migration concerns addressed
Action Items:
• Sarah Johnson: Finalize vendor contract by March 15
• Mike Chen: Develop training schedule by March 10
• Lisa Rodriguez: Coordinate data backup by March 5
• Team: Review system requirements document by March 8
• Next meeting: March 20, 2:00 PM to review progress
Meeting Summary:
• Budget approval for new student information system
• Discussion of implementation timeline (6-month rollout)
• Training requirements for staff identified
• Data migration concerns addressed
Action Items:
• Sarah Johnson: Finalize vendor contract by March 15
• Mike Chen: Develop training schedule by March 10
• Lisa Rodriguez: Coordinate data backup by March 5
• Team: Review system requirements document by March 8
• Next meeting: March 20, 2:00 PM to review progress
Why it's helpful: Saves significant time on meeting follow-up, ensures no critical decisions are missed, and helps keep projects on track.
Data Analysis & Insights for Excel
Scenario: You have a spreadsheet with data (e.g., budget figures, enrollment trends) and need to quickly identify patterns or create visualizations.
Prompt Example: Analyze this student survey data. What are the top 3 most common responses for question 5, and can you suggest a chart to visualize the overall satisfaction levels?
Simulated Copilot Output (Example):
Top 3 Responses for Question 5:
1. "Very Satisfied" - 45% (234 responses)
2. "Satisfied" - 32% (167 responses)
3. "Neutral" - 15% (78 responses)
Chart Recommendation:
A pie chart would clearly show the distribution of satisfaction levels, making it easy to see that 77% of students are satisfied or very satisfied. Alternatively, a horizontal bar chart would allow for easy comparison between response categories.
Top 3 Responses for Question 5:
1. "Very Satisfied" - 45% (234 responses)
2. "Satisfied" - 32% (167 responses)
3. "Neutral" - 15% (78 responses)
Chart Recommendation:
A pie chart would clearly show the distribution of satisfaction levels, making it easy to see that 77% of students are satisfied or very satisfied. Alternatively, a horizontal bar chart would allow for easy comparison between response categories.
Why it's helpful: Quickly extracts insights from large datasets, suggests appropriate visualizations, and aids in data-driven decision-making without complex formulas.
Microsoft Copilot Explained
What It Is and How to Use It Responsibly
Understanding how Microsoft Copilot works and using it ethically is key to maximizing its benefits in an academic setting.
Responsible AI Use in Higher Education
Using AI tools like Microsoft Copilot effectively and ethically is vital for maintaining academic integrity and promoting genuine learning.
- Critical Thinking First: Always review and critically evaluate Copilot's outputs. It's a tool to assist, not a source of ultimate truth. Fact-check information, especially for academic work or official communications.
- Your Work, Your Ideas: Copilot can help you brainstorm and draft, but the final output must be your own original thought and expression. Understand and adhere to our institution's policies on academic integrity and plagiarism.
- Privacy and Security: When you use Copilot through your FAU Microsoft account, your data remains within your Microsoft tenant. Copilot works with your data securely and compliantly; it does not use your data to train foundational models that could then be used by other organizations. Always adhere to university data handling policies.
- Source Verification: Always cite your sources. Copilot does not replace the need for proper academic referencing.
- Augment, Don't Replace: Copilot is designed to enhance human capabilities – freeing up time for deeper analysis, more creative pursuits, and meaningful human interaction. It's a collaborator, not a substitute for your learning, teaching, or professional judgment.
Use Your University Microsoft 365 Account with Copilot: For all academic, research, and university-related tasks, it is expected that you use your university-provided Microsoft account with Copilot. Doing so ensures your data remains protected within FAU’s managed environment, complies with institutional privacy and security standards, and enables full access to Copilot’s integrated features across Microsoft apps.
Supporting Resources
- Learning & Training - Dive deeper into Copilot's capabilities with comprehensive guides and video tutorials.
- Knowledge Base - Find answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips on the OIT Help Desk site.
- Technical Support - For any technical issues or access problems, contact your IT Help Desk.
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Ready to Get Started with Microsoft Copilot?
Access Microsoft Copilot today and explore its powerful capabilities within your Microsoft 365 applications!
Launch CopilotFAQs
Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Here are some common questions about using Microsoft Copilot in a higher education context.
Is my data private and secure when I use Copilot with my university account?
Can Copilot replace [instructor/researcher/staff member]?
How can I learn more about using Copilot effectively?