Learning Activities is now available as part of Microsoft Education experiences. This feature helps educators and students transform passive content into active learning. With just a few selections, users can create engaging practice activities such as flashcards directly from existing learning content, improving interactivity and knowledge retention. General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout began in mid-October 2025 […]
Category: AI
WashU’s secure Generative AI API supports integration, approved for sensitive data
WashU is excited to offer secure, scalable, cost-effective, unified API (Application Programming Interface) access to cutting-edge generative AI models. Designed for faculty, researchers and staff, the platform supports integration with sandboxed endpoints hosted within WashU’s Azure tenant, which is approved for sensitive data, including HIPAA and FERPA. This will result in ease of access to powerful […]
Microsoft Rolls Out GPT-5 in Copilot
Starting in early August, Microsoft began integrating OpenAI’s latest generative AI model, GPT-5, into Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. This upgrade enhances the AI assistant’s capabilities for all WashU users—whether they have a full Copilot for Microsoft 365 license or are using the free Microsoft 365 Copilot chat version—offering smarter reasoning, quicker responses, and improved access to work-related […]
GPT-5 Arrives in Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft has announced the release of GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot, reinforcing its commitment to delivering OpenAI’s latest models to customers within 30 days of launch. This integration brings significant advancements in AI-powered productivity, offering users a more intelligent and responsive experience across their daily workflows. GPT-5 introduces a dynamic model-routing capability within Copilot. When […]
New Capabilities Coming to Microsoft Copilot in Word
Microsoft is rolling out enhanced functionality for Copilot in Word, designed to transform how users create and edit documents. These updates introduce a more conversational and iterative experience, allowing users to interact with Copilot more naturally and efficiently. Starting in September 2025, Microsoft will begin a worldwide rollout of new features for Copilot in Word, […]
Introducing Box AI: A powerful new AI tool for faculty, staff, and students
WashU faculty, staff, and students now have access to Box AI, an innovative new tool that integrates generative artificial intelligence directly into the Box cloud storage platform. Whether drafting reports, analyzing research data, or managing large volumes of content, Box AI can help streamline workflow, enhance productivity, and provide deeper insights into stored documents. Box AI is already […]
Copilot for M365 now available
An innovative tool designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows within Microsoft 365 applications, Copilot is now available at WashU. Whether you’re trying to capture accurate meeting minutes or create an email or report, Copilot can save you time, allowing you to get more accomplished throughout the workday. Those interested in purchasing a license for […]
Answers to questions about Zoom’s AI Companion and security
There have been many questions about Zoom’s AI Companion and the security of the transcriptions it creates, as well as the content Zoom uses to train its AI model. Check out a new knowledge base article (KBA) offering a brief overview of the AI Companion tool and WashU’s default settings. “Zoom is always adding and […]
WashU ChatGPT upgrades to GPT-4o
Recently, the Washington University ChatGPT was upgraded to use Open AI’s new GPT-4o “omni” model – one of their most advanced artificial intelligence model capable of complex problem solving. The upgrade to GPT-4o will provide better functionality to WashU users, with text generation at double the speed and significant improvements with non-English languages. Additionally, it will offer a more seamless […]
OCIO ImpacT Spotlight: New video highlights IT ImpacT efforts
WashU IT’s Strategic Plan, ImpacT, aims to enhance decision-making by leveraging data through literacy, analytics, quality, and accessibility. Over four years, we’ll advance technology to boost WashU’s competitive edge and transform how we teach, learn, and innovate. Russell Sharp and Amy Walter from the Office of the Chief Information Officer present “Innovate & Secure: The […]