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University Libraries' Staff Guide to Generative AI: Microsoft Copilot

What is Copilot

Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection, formerly known as Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise), is an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance productivity and creativity. The “data protection” aspect of the tool refers to the security measures and privacy controls in place to safeguard user information. Free generative AI tools commonly do not treat user-provided information as private. Copilot is a good alternative to ChatGPT because it uses the same underlying technology but is licensed for UNC affiliates and includes data protection. It also provides references for its responses.  

 

Getting started with Copilot

UNC-Chapel Hill + Copilot

UNC-Chapel Hill has licensed Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection for use by everyone with an onyen. Since there is no charge for staff to use this tool and it's easy to access, it's a great starting point for those interested in experimenting with GenAI. 

Using Copilot with Data Protection 

  • Your chats are not saved and your queries are encrypted.
  • Your Identity is used only to determine your eligibility to access Copilot.
  • Your data or queries are not used to train any of Microsoft's models.

Information on Copilot at UNC provides more details.

Microsoft Mechanics. (2023, September). How Microsoft Copilot uses commercial data protection to work with your data. Youtube. https://youtu.be/CFE6eMdaMRA?si=1YCcep2ilnvo1Usm

Copilot Getting Started Guides

We have put together a couple of guides that walk through setting it up on your computer and getting started with using it:

Getting Started Accessing Copilot

Getting Started Using Copilot


Please give these instructions a try! We welcome any feedback.

Copilot Resources

Tutorials

We have curated a list of tutorials that will enhance your Copilot knowledge.

 

Microsoft Learn

 

LinkedIn Learning