Responsible AI at DSA: How Copilot and AI Tools Are Being Used Safely
Discover how DSA is embracing AI responsibly—using approved tools like Microsoft Copilot to boost productivity while protecting university data. Learn how clear guidance, security-first practices, and a new AI Community of Practice are helping Student Affairs move forward together.
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common part of everyday work, from drafting documents to analyzing data and improving productivity. Within the Division of Student Affairs (DSA), these tools are being adopted thoughtfully and responsibly, with a strong focus on data protection, transparency, and alignment with university standards.
DSA’s approach to AI centers on responsible use—ensuring that tools like Microsoft Copilot enhance productivity while safeguarding institutional and personal data. Rather than encouraging experimentation without guardrails, DSA IT is working to provide clear guidance, approved tools, and shared learning opportunities for departments across the division.
Using approved AI tools at Texas A&M
Microsoft Copilot is the approved generative AI tool for Texas A&M University, and it is already being used across campus to support common work tasks such as summarizing documents, drafting content, brainstorming ideas, and assisting with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
One key advantage of Copilot is that it operates within the university’s Microsoft 365 environment. When users are signed in with their Texas A&M account, Copilot provides enterprise data protection, meaning prompts and responses are handled in accordance with institutional security, privacy, and compliance standards. This allows users to benefit from AI assistance while maintaining appropriate safeguards around university data.
How DSA is approaching responsible AI use
DSA recognizes that AI tools are powerful—and that with that power comes responsibility. To support safe and effective use, DSA IT is focusing on several core principles:
- Security and data protection: AI tools should not introduce new risks to sensitive or confidential information. Approved tools like Copilot are designed to operate within established security controls.
- Transparency: Departments should understand what tools they are using and how those tools interact with their data.
- Consistency: Using approved solutions helps ensure a consistent experience and support model across DSA.
- Education and shared learning: Responsible use requires more than technology—it requires informed users.
These principles align closely with broader DSA efforts around IT risk management, data classification, and compliance, helping ensure AI adoption supports—not undermines—the division’s security posture.
Building an AI community within DSA
To support collaboration and shared understanding, DSA has established an AI Community of Practice (CoP). The goal of this group is to help departments maximize the value of university‑provided AI tools while sharing real‑world experiences, workflows, and lessons learned.
The AI Community of Practice is designed to:
- Encourage peer‑to‑peer support for non‑technical AI questions
- Share examples of how AI tools like Copilot are being used productively
- Stay informed about new features, changes, and policy updates
- Promote responsible and compliant AI usage across departments
Rather than each department navigating AI adoption on its own, this collaborative approach helps reduce confusion and ensures DSA moves forward together.
What this means for DSA customers
For DSA customers, responsible AI use means having access to helpful tools without compromising security or trust. You may already be using Copilot to help draft emails, summarize documents, or prepare presentations—or you may be considering how AI could support your work in the future.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve, DSA IT will continue to:
- Promote approved, secure AI tools
- Share guidance and training opportunities
- Communicate changes that may affect how AI tools are accessed or used
- Support departments with questions about appropriate use
If you are interested in learning more about Copilot, AI training opportunities, or how responsible AI use applies to your department, DSA IT is here to help.
Looking ahead
AI will continue to play a growing role in how work gets done across Student Affairs. By focusing on responsible adoption—grounded in security, transparency, and collaboration—DSA is working to ensure these tools deliver real value while protecting the people and data we serve.
