AI tools can significantly improve efficiency and productivity, but it’s important to match the capabilities of the AI with the needs of your role.
If you’re regularly working with structured data, Microsoft 365 Copilot might be best because it is integrated with Excel. If you’re drafting research summaries or developing new content, ChatGPT or Copilot Chat may be more appropriate as they offer flexible conversational experiences for brainstorming, writing assistance, or data synthesis.
Careful consideration must be given to the type of data used, and regardless of the tool, humans must remain in control. Always critically review the output of AI tools, verify facts, and make final decisions based on human judgment.
Activities AI Supports
Analyzing Data
Clean data and combine survey responses
Tools to use:
- ChatGPT
- Copilot Chat
- M365 Copilot
Brainstorming and Planning
Summarize content, discover concepts, generate agendas, slides, and plans
Tools to use:
- ChatGPT
- Copilot Chat
- Microsoft 365 Copilot
Coding and Technical Work
Generate, test, and automate code snippets, and explain script behavior
Tools to use:
- Multi-model tool
- M365 Copilot
- ChatGPT
Creating images and content
Repurpose long-form content and generate images and infographics
Tools to use:
- ChatGPT
- Copilot Chat
- Microsoft 365 Copilot
Editing and Writing
Draft emails, reports, presentations, policies, and other written content
Tools to use:
- ChatGPT
- Copilot Chat
- Microsoft 365 Copilot
Research and Information Gathering
Explore available literature, brainstorm research questions, and draft outlines
Tools to use:
- ChatGPT
- Copilot Chat
- Microsoft 365 Copilot
Quick Decision Guide
Consider your data before choosing a tool.
Once you know how you want to use AI, consider the type of information you'll be working with. Different AI tools have different privacy, security, and compliance protections.
Public
Information that is published and available without restriction.
Examples:
- University websites
- Press releases
- Course catalog descriptions
- Campus maps
Tools that can be used: All university-supported tools (Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT Edu) and many publicly available tools.
University/Internal
Information intended for internal university use but not publicly available.
Examples:
- Internal reports
- Working documents
- Department planning materials
- Unofficial student information
Tools that can be used: University-supported tools with enterprise data protection (Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT Edu)
Restricted
Information protected by privacy requirements, regulations, or laws.
Examples:
- Student transcripts
- Financial aid information
- Identifiable research or human subjects data
- Full-face photographic images or videos
Consult before using AI: Contact Research Services or the Information Security and Policy Office before entering restricted data into an AI tool.
Critical
Information requiring the highest level of protection.
Examples:
- Protected Health Information (PHI)
- Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
- Credit card Information (PCI)
- Data governed by ITAR (Export-controlled information)
- Personal identifiers (Driver’s license and passport numbers)
Most AI tools cannot be used: Consult Research Services or the Information Security and Policy Office before using Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Teams Premium AI.
ChatGPT Edu and publicly available tools should not be used for this data type.
Tools and Training Resources
Browse UI-supported tools, explore publicly available tools, and find training opportunities to gain hands-on learning experiences with AI.