This article outlines how to access and use Microsoft Copilot.
Before you start, you will need the following:
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is a chat-based generative AI assistant built on OpenAI's ChatGPT model. It is a general-purpose generative AI tool and, when used with a College account, provides better data protections than similar free tools.
Appropriate use
Your use of Microsoft Copilot is governed by College policies and Microsoft's terms of service.
Attention: Be sure you understand how Copilot handles the content you upload and generate.
- Files, data, and content that is input to, or generated from, Copilot are encrypted and remain siloed within your account in our Microsoft tenant. They are not used to train Copilot or for queries by other people.
- Do not use Copilot Chat with Level 1 data
Accessing Copilot
- Open Google Chrome
- Navigate to Webmail
- In the top-left, click the square array of dots
- Click Microsoft 365 Copilot
- If this option is not available, click More apps
Note: You may see Copilot buttons in other Microsoft 365 applications such as Teams or Outlook. Click one to start a Copilot chat session!
Using Copilot
Attention: Microsoft is actively experimenting with Copilot business models. Not all options are currently available through our license, and features are subject to change.
- Type your instructions or questions into the text box
- Copilot will "reply" with results!
- You can refine these results by typing additional instructions or questions.
Note: Watch Microsoft's demo video to see Copilot in-action.
Specifying sources
If you do not specify a source, Copilot will formulate a response using information that is publicly available on the internet - citing sources that you should use to verify its conclusions.
To narrow Copilot to a specific website, include it in your prompt!
Example: The following prompt would limit Copilot's search to brynmawr.edu.
Analyzing files
Attention: Copilot only supports some file formats.
- Type your instructions into the text box
- For example: "Remove all the empty rows from this Excel Document."
- Click Add content and agents
- Click Upload from this device or Attach Cloud Files
- Find and select your file
- Press Enter
Tips and tricks
- Provide details about your goals and context for better results.
- Export your response by clicking Copy response
Questions?
If you have any additional questions or problems, don't hesitate to reach out to the Help Desk!
Phone: 610-526-7440 | Library and Help Desk hours
Email: help@brynmawr.edu | Service catalog
Location: Canaday Library 1st floor
