As we kick off a new academic year, here’s a quick reminder: Copilot for Web is available to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students at Oregon State University as part of OSU’s approved generative AI tools. You’ll find the full list—and guidance for responsible use—on our new AI website under Guidelines.
What is Copilot for Web?
Copilot for Web is an AI assistant integrated into OSU’s Microsoft-powered productivity ecosystem. It helps you work faster and think more clearly while keeping your data within OSU’s trusted Microsoft environment.
What Copilot Chat Can Do for You
- Summarize web pages, PDFs, and long documents
- Draft emails, memos, announcements, or meeting notes
- Brainstorm research ideas, lesson plans, or project concepts
- Create outlines, checklists, agendas, and action plans
- Explore new topics by asking follow-up questions in plain language
- Refine tone and clarity using built-in editing suggestions
- Respect OSU’s privacy and security expectations when used with your OSU account
Tip: For best results, give context (“I’m an instructor preparing a 50-minute lecture for 200-level biology students…”) and specify the output you want (“Give me a 5-point outline and a short email to students”).
Quick Start
- Sign in with your OSU credentials (ONID) to Microsoft 365.
- Open Copilot Chat from supported Microsoft apps or the web.
- Start a conversation with a clear goal and any relevant files or links.
- Iterate: Ask follow-up questions, adjust tone, and request alternative drafts.
Smart Ways to Use Copilot Chat at OSU
For Teaching
- Draft a syllabus outline, lecture prompts, or quiz questions.
- Turn learning objectives into rubrics or grading checklists.
- Generate student-facing announcements and weekly summaries.
For Research
- Summarize related literature or grant calls.
- Create data collection checklists or IRB prep outlines.
- Draft abstracts, poster captions, and cover letters.
For Administration & Teams
- Turn meeting transcripts into action items.
- Write first-draft policy summaries or project briefs.
- Build onboarding guides and how-to instructions.
AI Week Recordings
Revisit AI Week 2025 with this collection of session recordings. Dive into real-world AI applications and hear from industry leaders and experts from across OSU as they share their work, challenges, and ideas.
Responsible & Effective Use
- Stay human-in-the-loop. Treat outputs as drafts—verify facts, add citations, and apply your expertise.
- Protect sensitive data. Don’t paste regulated or confidential information unless you’re certain it is permitted and handled appropriately in OSU’s Microsoft environment. When in doubt, summarize or redact.
- Be transparent. Follow your course, college, or unit norms for acknowledging AI assistance in academic or public work.
- Cite sources. When Copilot provides references, check them. Add proper citations to final work.
When Not to Use Copilot Chat
- To generate or transform regulated data (e.g., certain student records, protected research data) without explicit approval and safeguards.
- To replace your own scholarly judgment or assessment of student work.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Copilot Chat supports plain-language prompts and multiple formats (bulleted lists, outlines, summaries), helping you create more accessible materials. Always review for readability, accuracy, and inclusive language before sharing.
Explore OSU’s AI Resources
Visit ai.oregonstate.edu to learn more about: