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title: "Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat @ Cal Poly"
canonical: "https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/2850226180/Microsoft%20365%20Copilot%20Chat%20%40%20Cal%20Poly"
format: markdown
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Copilot Chat is a secure AI chat experience available with Microsoft 365 EDU licenses at no extra cost. It is **not** the same as the full “Microsoft 365 Copilot” add‑on that enables advanced AI features inside Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.


> **In short:** Copilot Chat is a **secure chat assistant**, not a full Microsoft 365 AI integration.

### **Getting Started**

1. **Ensure your Microsoft 365 apps are updated** (if using Copilot Chat within the sidebar experiences).
2. **Look for the Copilot icon **in the web app or Microsoft Office desktop application where Copilot Chat is available.
3. **Explore training resources:**
  - Microsoft Learn (Copilot Chat): [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/overview?ns-enrollment-type=Collection&ns-enrollment-id=6wpf7tdggkn5g](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/overview?ns-enrollment-type=Collection&ns-enrollment-id=6wpf7tdggkn5g)

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> ℹ️ #### **Data Privacy & Security**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Regardless of licensing, Microsoft maintains strong enterprise security across Copilot experiences.
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Copilot runs inside Microsoft’s secure compliance boundary.
> ℹ️ - Copilot does **not** access or process institutional data unless you manually upload it.

Cal Poly SLO is committed to protecting user data and ensuring responsible use of AI technologies. Microsoft 365 Copilot is built on Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security, compliance, and privacy standards.

### **How Your Data Is Handled**

- **Data Residency**: Your data remains within the Microsoft 365 environment and is governed by Cal Poly’s existing Microsoft licensing agreements.
- **No Training on Your Data**: Copilot does **not** use your data to train public or foundational AI models.
- **Secure Infrastructure**: Microsoft uses encryption, access controls, and auditing to protect data at rest and in transit.
- **Transparency**: Users can see what data Copilot is referencing and are encouraged to verify and edit generated content.

### **User Responsibilities**

- **Review Outputs**: AI-generated content may contain inaccuracies. Always verify before sharing or publishing.
- **Sensitive Data**: Avoid prompting Copilot with confidential or regulated data unless you are certain it complies with university policies.
- **FERPA Compliance**: Do not use Copilot to process or generate content involving student records unless explicitly permitted.

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### **Frequently Asked Questions **<span style="color: #0747a6">**(FAQs)**</span>

**Does Copilot Chat have access to my email, Teams chats, or OneDrive?**

<span style="color: #0747a6">**No.**</span> It cannot access any organizational data.

**Can Copilot Chat generate meeting summaries or email drafts?**

<span style="color: #0747a6">**No.**</span> Only the **paid Copilot license** provides these integrated features.

**Can I upload a file for Copilot Chat to help analyze?**

<span style="color: #0747a6">**Yes.**</span> Copilot Chat can reason over uploaded files, or the currently open file or email.

**Does Copilot store or share my data externally?**

<span style="color: #0747a6">**No.**</span>

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