Introduction
This knowledge base article provides step-by-step instructions for logging in and starting a chat with one of the approved Generative AI tools, Microsoft Copilot. If you are using UCO information/data, you must ensure that you are accessing either Gemini or Copilot using your UCO account.
Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot
Access Copilot
- Visit the Copilot login page at copilot.cloud.microsoft and click Sign In from the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter your UCO email address and click Next
- You will be redirected to a UCO login screen. Enter your UCO email address and password then click Sign In.
You may be prompted for multi-factor authentication (MFA), through Duo Mobile. Approve the login request on your mobile device to continue.
- Once you've successfully logged in, you'll be directed to the main Copilot interface. When using your UCO account, you'll see a green "Protected" shield and a message indicating your data is secure. This confirms you're using Copilot within UCO's enterprise environment. You're now ready to start your conversation!
Start a Chat
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Locate the text input box, usually at the bottom of the screen. It might say something like "Message Copilot"
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Type your question or request into the text box.
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If you're not sure where to start, Copilot provides several suggestions for types of prompts you can use below the chat bar.
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Press the Enter key on your keyboard or click the send icon
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Copilot will process your request and provide a response in the chat window. You can continue the conversation by typing new messages in the same text box.
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Start a new chat conversation by clicking the new chat icon on the top right
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Or continue a previous chat by selecting it from the Chat Conversations list.
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Upload a variety of file types to provide context to your prompts
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You can create a number of different document types combining the power of Copilot and industry standard Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and Powerpoint using the Create tool in the left side menu.
References
IMPORTANT: ⚠️ Do NOT use the public version of Copilot for any work involving sensitive or confidential university data. This includes student information (FERPA-protected), unpublished research, or any personally identifiable information (PII).
Core Capabilities: Copilot in Your Apps
Copilot's real power comes from its integration. Here’s what it can do for you:
| In This App... |
You Can Use Copilot To... |
| Microsoft Word |
Draft a paper from an outline, summarize a long document, rewrite paragraphs in a different tone, or generate a table from your text. |
| Microsoft Outlook |
Summarize a long email thread to get the main points ("catch up"), and draft professional replies based on a simple prompt. |
| Microsoft PowerPoint |
Create an entire presentation from a simple prompt (e.g., "Create a 10-slide presentation on the water cycle") or from an existing Word document. |
| Microsoft Excel |
Analyze data by asking questions in plain language (e.g., "Show me the top 5 sales by region"), generate formulas, and create charts instantly. |
| Microsoft Teams |
Get a summary of a meeting you missed, ask what decisions were made, and list the action items that were assigned. |
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