Overview
This article outlines how students, faculty, and staff can access Microsoft Copilot, including free and paid options. Copilot provides AI-powered assistance across different platforms, including conversational chat, integration within other Microsoft 365 apps, and Copilot Studio for creating custom AI workflows. Copilot is built on the same model as ChatGPT and other popular platforms, but is available within your secure university Microsoft 365 account and is the only approved AI chat tool at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Ways to Use Microsoft Copilot AI: Free and Paid Options
Copilot Chat (Basic): Free for All Users
Copilot Chat is a general-purpose AI assistant that helps answer questions, generate content, and provide insights. It is available at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.
Access
Login Credentials
Signing in ensures privacy and allows users to save conversations and access generated images.
- Students: StarID@go.minnstate.edu and StarID password
- Faculty/Staff: StarID@minnstate.edu and StarID password
M365 Copilot (Premium): Paid Option
M365 Copilot is a paid option that integrates AI-powered features directly into Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 apps to assist with writing, data analysis, email responses, and productivity tasks.
Access
- License cost: Individual M365 Copilot licenses are $201.72 per year and renew annually on August 1. Cancellations must be made by June 30. New users who begin after August 1 will pay a prorated amount for their first year.
- Purchase a license: Submit a ticket to IT Solutions to purchase a M365 Copilot license.
- What’s Needed:
- Microsoft Office ProPlus or Microsoft Office 2024 for Windows/macOS
- New Outlook version
- Microsoft Office Upgrade – If you’re using Office 2022, an upgrade to ProPlus or Office 2024 is required (contact IT Solutions for assistance).
- Limited trial licenses are available through ITS for departments to test M365 Copilot.
Copilot Studio: Free for All Users, Request Required
Copilot Studio is a tool for creating and managing custom AI chatbots and automation workflows. It allows users to build AI assistants tailored to specific tasks, such as answering FAQs or automating processes.
Access
Copilot Studio is free for students, faculty, and staff, but a request is required to enable access. Submit a ticket to IT Solutions to request a Copilot Studio license.
FAQ
Can students use Copilot for free?
Yes, students can access Copilot Chat and Copilot Studio for free. However, the integration with other Microsoft 365 apps requires a paid license (M365 Copilot).
Can I cancel my M365 Copilot license?
Cancellations must be made by June 30. If purchased mid-year, the cost is prorated from August 1st.
What is the difference between Copilot Chat and M365 Copilot?
Copilot Chat is a standalone assistant available for free via a web browser or Windows 11. M365 Copilot integrates AI-powered features into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook, but requires a paid license.
How do I request access to Copilot Studio?
Submit a ticket to IT Solutions to request a Copilot Studio license
More Resources
Microsoft AI Skills Challenge
Microsoft Copilot Training on LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of free training courses on Microsoft Copilot for students, faculty, and staff at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Sign in with your StarID credentials to access all free training courses. Popular courses include:
Still Need Help?
Visit the IT Solutions Center page to view current hours, locations, and contact information.