Microsoft Copilot Update

Monday
To: University Community
From: University Information Technology Services
Subject: Microsoft Copilot Update
Date: Apr 20, 2026

On April 15, Microsoft discontinued the embedded Copilot AI feature within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for students and employees without a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot (Premium) license. This change is part of a Microsoft licensing change across higher education, not a university-specific decision.

What to know
  • The Copilot icon has been removed from the navigation menu in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
  • Paid Microsoft 365 Copilot (Premium) licenses for users to have the embedded Copilot experience are not currently available for university accounts.
What remains available
  • Students, faculty and staff can continue to use Microsoft Copilot Chat:
    • via the web (m365.cloud.microsoft)
    • in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app (download from Google Play Store or App Store)
    • in Outlook email and calendar (icon in left side navigation menu)
    • in Teams (icon in left side navigation menu)

More information is available in the Copilot Access Changes knowledge article (requires NetID).

If you have questions about Microsoft Copilot or need technical assistance, please contact the 24/7 Support Center.