This page provides a summary of the Microsoft 365 Copilot–related features available to HYMS staff using a Microsoft 365 A3 for Faculty licence. It also outlines what is included by default, what requires additional licensing, and how to make the most of available tools.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is a suite of AI-powered assistants integrated across Microsoft 365 applications and services. It helps you:
- Draft and edit content
- Summarise documents and emails
- Analyse data
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Improve productivity across teaching, research, and administrative work
What’s Included with A3 for Faculty
With a standard Microsoft 365 A3 licence, full Microsoft 365 Copilot (paid add-on) is not included by default. However, you still have access to several AI-powered features:
✅ Copilot Chat (Web and Edge)
- Available via https://copilot.microsoft.com or Microsoft Edge sidebar
- Provides:
- General AI chat and assistance
- Drafting content (emails, documents, teaching materials)
- Summarising text
- Coding and technical assistance
Note: This version does not have access to your organisational data (emails, files, Teams messages)..
✅ AI Features in Microsoft 365 Apps
Some AI-powered functionality is already built into applications, including:
Outlook
- Suggested replies
- Email summarisation (limited)
- Writing suggestions (Editor)
Word
- Microsoft Editor (grammar, tone, clarity improvements)
- Text predictions
PowerPoint
- Designer (automatic slide layouts and suggestions)
Excel
- Ideas (basic data insights and visual suggestions)
Teams
- Live captions and transcription
- Meeting recordings and playback tools
✅ Microsoft Editor
Included across multiple apps and browsers:
- Grammar and spelling correction
- Style and clarity recommendations
- Inclusive language suggestions
What’s NOT Included (Without Additional Licence)
The following features require a Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on licence:
- Copilot in Word (full document drafting from prompts)
- Copilot in Excel (advanced data analysis and formula generation)
- Copilot in PowerPoint (presentation generation from prompts)
- Copilot in Outlook (thread summarisation and email drafting with organisational context)
- Copilot in Teams (meeting summaries, action points, and chat analysis)
- Integration with organisational data (emails, SharePoint, OneDrive)
Key Differences
|
Feature
|
A3 Faculty (Default)
|
With Copilot Add-on
|
|
Web Copilot Chat
|
✅
|
✅
|
|
Access to organisational data
|
❌
|
✅
|
|
AI in Office apps (full Copilot)
|
❌
|
✅
|
|
Microsoft Editor
|
✅
|
✅
|
|
Teams transcription
|
✅
|
✅
|
Good Practice Guidance
When using AI tools such as Copilot:
- Do not enter sensitive or confidential data into web-based Copilot
- Always review and verify AI-generated content
- Be aware of data protection and GDPR requirements
- Use AI as a support tool—not a replacement for professional judgement
Getting Started
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click the Copilot icon (top right) or visit https://copilot.microsoft.com
- Sign in with your work account
- Start prompting (e.g. “Summarise this article”, “Create a lesson plan”)
Further Help
- Visit the IT Helpdesk portal: https://howto.hyms.ac.uk/
- Contact IT Support for licensing queries or training requests
Summary
While the A3 Faculty licence does not include the full Microsoft 365 Copilot experience, it still provides access to useful AI-powered tools such as Copilot Chat, Microsoft Editor, and built-in smart features across apps. A full Copilot experience requires an additional licence.