What Is Copilot Chat? 

Copilot Chat is an AI-powered assistant available to everyone with a University account and accessible via a web browser or within Microsoft Teams. 

Guidance For Using Copilot Chat

The University of Manchester has contractual agreement with Microsoft that means that the Copilot Chat Generative AI system can be used safely be as part of your day-to-day work in a way that is not true for other AI chat systems. This guide explains how your prompts and uploaded files are handled.

If you have a M365 Copilot Licence, this guide applies to Copilot Chat used in ‘Web’ mode.

Privacy and Data Security When you interact with Copilot Chat while logged in with your University account:

• Your prompts and uploaded files are private – no one else can see them and they are protected by the same security and encryption techniques as your emails and the contents of your OneDrive or SharePoint Sites.
• Copilot Chat’s AI system does not learn from your prompts or data.
• Your data stays within the University environment except when Copilot Chat performs a web search (see below).
• Uploaded files are stored in your OneDrive.
• Everything else is forgotten after your session ends.

Use of sensitive material

If you are processing material that is in any way sensitive, apply the same rules to the use of Copilot Chat as you would to other components of the M365 system. If a document should not be stored in SharePoint or shared by email, then it must not be uploaded to Copilot Chat.

Use of copyrighted or licenced materials

You may upload resources to which you have legitimate access (e.g., academic papers accessed via the Library or teaching materials from the University) to Copilot Chat for work-related purposes such as:

• Summarising or questioning the material.
• Quotation, criticism, or review.
• Illustration for instruction.

These documents are stored temporarily in your OneDrive and are not retained by Copilot Chat after the session ends.

Web searches

Sometimes Copilot Chat may search the web using Microsoft’s search engine Bing in order to find information that is relevant to your prompt. When this occurs, fragments of your prompt may be sent to Bing. There is no way to prevent this from happening, however your identity is not shared, and the query is sent over a secure connection.

Good practice tips

• Keep sensitive personal information out of your prompts and uploads.
• Ask clear, specific, concise questions for the best results.
• Critically review outputs, including any citations or references. As with any Generative AI system, Copilot Chat may make errors or give outdated information.

 How Do I Get Involved? 

You can join the Copilot Chat Skills Programme Community here to access tips, trick, and build long lasting AI skills. Anyone can join, beginner or expert- you just need enthusiasm! 

 Want To Delve Deeper? 

Become a Microsoft 365 and Copilot Chat Champion via the form here. For those looking to get the most out of Copilot in all Microsoft applications (such as Teams, Power Automate and SharePoint), alongside supporting other colleagues, the Champions Programme will give you the tools and confidence to lead. This is an extension of the existing M365 Digital Champions programme. 

The formal M365 Copilot Pre-Production Trial has now concluded, and the waitlist is for licences is closed. We’re currently reviewing the outcomes and benefits, and these insights will be shared with the AI Transformation Programme Strategy Groups. If appropriate, they will also be presented to the University Executive to help inform whether M365 Copilot should be adopted as a strategic tool for the University.

Staff who are currently taking part in the trial and have been testing M365 Copilot will receive further information about next steps soon.

If you can't find what you're looking for, you can raise a Copilot query request here: Copilot Queries- Connect

Here at the University, we have partnered with Microsoft adoption specialists M365 Tribe to develop two new Copilot Chat programmes to build your confidence and learn how to apply Copilot at work.

You can join the Copilot Chat Skills Programme Community:

Develop your Copilot skills, share experiences, and learn from AI experts. Discover real-world use cases, tips, tricks, and prompts to boost productivity and earn digital badges as you build your AI skills. This programme is designed for everyone, no matter your experience level, and will help you discover Copilot’s potential at your own pace.

Join the community

You can also become a Microsoft 365 and Copilot Chat Champion:

For those looking to get the most out of Microsoft 365 and Copilot, with applications such as Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and Power Automate whilst supporting colleagues, the Champions programme, will give you the tools and confidence to lead. This is an extension of our existing M365 Digital Champions programme.

As a Champion, you will:

• Grow your Copilot Chat expertise with dedicated on-demand training
• Take part in interactive training, scenario-based learning, and monthly webinars
• Support your peers and drive adoption of Copilot Chat and M365 tools
• Earn digital badges and recognition
• Access priority support through our “Ask the Experts” channel
• Join a vibrant community of Champions

Apply now

To find out more about these opportunities, read the StaffNet article here, including a video where CIO, PJ Hemmaway discusses Copilot and AI at the University. 

NebulaONE is an AI toolbox built within UoM’s cloud environment. It uses market-leading models to help you create custom AI agents, no coding required. 

Whether you're in research, teaching, or professional services, NebulaONE enables safe experimentation while ensuring full compliance with the University’s AI Guidelines. The University of Manchester is committed to enabling safe, responsible, and innovative use of AI. NebulaONE offers a central platform that balances experimentation with governance, supporting academic and professional use across departments.

Key Features

• Pre-configured AI agents for immediate use
• Microsoft-based gateway with governance and auditing tools
• Administrative dashboard for agent management
• Built-in safeguards for information security, data privacy, copyright, and academic integrity 

Early Access Opportunity
We have recently started onboarding early adopters to test the NebulaONE AI system. If you’re interested in gaining early access, please sign up using the Nebula One Request Form.

We recently ran a Hands-on AI Exploration Workshop, where staff learnt how to use prompts in the most effective way, as well as understanding the basics of agent construction and practical applications. We hope more opportunities like this will be available soon, be sure to keep an eye on our AI Hub news page to find out more.  

Useful Links

• Getting Started With nebulaONE 
• Cloudforce nebulaONE Login
• Training Material
• FAQs