AI @ SHSU - Stay on Top of Email with Copilot in Outlook

Microsoft Copilot in Outlook helps you manage your inbox efficiently. It can summarize long email threads, suggest replies, draft messages, and help prioritize tasks. Copilot turns your email from a time-consuming chore into a streamlined workflow.

Microsoft Copilot Chat (Free) Features & Benefits

  • Open Access: Available to anyone with a Microsoft account.
  • Email Assistance: Draft and edit messages without institutional data.
  • General Guidance: Get tips for tone, clarity, and formatting.

How to Use Microsoft Copilot Chat (Free)

  1. Access Copilot: Open Outlook or visit https://copilot.microsoft.com.
  2. Enter Your Prompt: Use the Copilot pane in Outlook.
  3. Review & Edit: Adjust the draft to match your style.
  4. Send or Save: Insert the text into your email.

Example Prompts:

  • “Draft a reminder email for faculty about grade submission deadlines.”
  • “Rewrite this email to sound more formal.”
  • “Suggest subject lines for a student engagement newsletter.”

Microsoft 365 Copilot (Licensed) Premium Features

  • Deep Integration: Works securely with your university’s Outlook environment.
  • Context-Aware Drafting: Creates emails using your actual threads and attachments.
  • Smart Summaries: Summarizes email conversations and highlights decisions.
  • Effortless Search: Finds related emails, files, and calendar events instantly.
  • Compliance Ready: Operates within university security standards.

How to Use Microsoft 365 Copilot (Licensed) 

  1. Sign In: Use your university credentials.
  2. Locate Copilot: Look for the Copilot icon in Outlook.
  3. Select Context: Open the email thread or calendar event.
  4. Enter Advanced Prompts: Ask for summaries, follow-ups, or scheduling help.
  5. Apply Suggestions: Edit and send with confidence.

Example Prompts:

  • “Summarize this email thread and list action items.”
  • “Draft a response confirming attendance at the faculty meeting.”
  • “Find recent emails from the IT department about security updates.”
  • “Schedule a follow-up meeting with the curriculum committee next week.”

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