Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be valuable resources for learning, research, and productivity. However, these tools must be used responsibly to protect your privacy, the privacy of others, and university data.
AI Safety
When using AI applications, avoid entering sensitive, confidential, or personally identifiable information (PII), such as student ID numbers, passwords, financial information, grades, health information, or personal details about yourself or others.
Information entered into AI platforms can be stored, processed, and used in ways outside of your control. This includes uploading assignments, research data, and other academic materials into AI platforms. Content that has confidential information, data, intellectual property, etc., can create privacy, security and compliance risks.
Copilot Chat at UWM
Copilot Chat is part of the Microsoft suite offered at UWM and is available to students, faculty and staff.
Unlike many free consumer AI tools, UWM’s enterprise-supported version includes Enterprise Data Protection, which encrypts prompts and responses and does not use your conversations to train AI models. UWM also has contractual, legal, and technical safeguards in place with Microsoft that provide stronger privacy protection than typically available in publicly accessible AI tools.
When you want to utilize an AI tool, use UWM’s approved Copilot service and ensure you signed in with your UWM account. Look for the green shield indicator, which confirms that Enterprise Data Protection is active. This is the only version of Copilot Chat where you can safely utilize University data based on UW System Policy 1031 regarding data classification.
By protecting sensitive information, using university-approved AI tools, and following UWM guidelines, you can take advantage of AI technologies while maintaining privacy, security, and academic integrity. Finally, always follow course policies and instructor expectations regarding AI use. Some assignments may permit AI-assisted work, while others may prohibit it.
AI Resources
- UWM KnowlegeBase: Microsoft 365 – Copilot Chat
- Microsoft Overview: Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
- How to use Microsoft Copilot (video)
- UWM AI Guidance
- UWM AI Policy Analysis
If you have any questions about this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk.