UCOP’s approach to AI is grounded in thoughtful exploration and strategic collaboration. Excitement around AI is growing, and Information Technology Services (ITS) is here to be a partner — helping our community explore opportunities, build skills and adopt tools responsibly.

As we explore our current tools and venture into future AI possibilities, our goal is to make AI useful and safe for UC. Every step we take is guided by our commitment to security, privacy and ethical responsibility. By combining innovation with protection, we ensure that AI adoption reflects UC’s values while empowering staff to work smarter, not harder.

Over the past year, UCOP’s AI Implementation Team has advanced the use of tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, which showcase AI’s potential to boost efficiency and productivity. Through shared learning, training and collaboration, we’re building a strong foundation for the future.

Learning and connecting

ITS is investing in education and skill-building to help staff gain confidence with AI, even as resources remain tight. By creating opportunities to learn together, ITS is fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation across UCOP.

• Deloitte workshops: UC Investments and UC Finance and Operations, in collaboration with ITS and the Deloitte GenAI Exploration Lab, participated in engaging and comprehensive AI workshops that helped participants understand the benefits and risks around the power of Generative AI. Both events were well-received, and participants were excited to learn more about using AI in their work.
• Microsoft CoPilot trainings: In August, Microsoft hosted tailored Copilot trainings for UCOP AI license holders, focusing on Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint. These sessions provided staff with hands-on experience using practical tools that can save time and spark creativity. Decks and videos from these trainings are available in the Training Repository on the UCOP AI Hub.

Opportunities and resources

ITS is committed to providing staff with the tools, guidance and resources they need to explore AI with confidence.

• Try Co-Pilot at no cost: Our enterprise agreement gives you free access to Co-Pilot directly within Microsoft 365 apps or the Edge browser. Co-Pilot can help you save time, draft content faster and find the information you need with ease — so you can focus on higher-value work. Ready to get started with the free version? See screenshots at the bottom of this article for visuals on how to start in Outlook and with the Edge browser.
• Visit the AI Hub: The UCOP AI Hub is a centralized SharePoint site for exploring AI resources, project updates, training and governance. It’s designed to help staff adopt AI in meaningful and responsible ways.
• Purchase a license for ChatGPT or Copilot: Confirm funding with your manager, then visit AI Tools in the Software Catalog to learn about getting started and data restrictions.

Community and advisement

Community plays an essential role in the responsible and impactful use of AI at UC. By connecting, we help build trust, share insights and foster collaboration. Two groups have recently formed. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming activities and interest groups around AI at UCOP.

• UC Investments AI Advisory Board: Launched in September 2025, the Board guides the strategic and responsible use of AI within the university’s investment portfolio. It focuses on governance, compliance and long-term risk, and plays a key role in UC’s broader systemwide AI governance efforts alongside the UC AI Council.
• Systemwide AI Community of Practice: Sponsored by ITS with members appointed by location CIOs, the systemwide UC AI CoP brings together campus technology leaders engaged in AI strategy and planning to share knowledge, surface promising practices and explore models for the effective and responsible use of AI across the UC.
• Coming Soon: UCOP Community of Practice

Additional resources

• Visit the University of California AI Council website, a key resource exploring AI concepts, initiatives and AI-related projects.
• Stay up to date on AI by completing this form to join our listserv – we’ll send focused updates.
• Look out for more updates on AI integration in future Link articles and emails. For questions, contact Justin Sabo.

How to try MS Copilot

Note: If you have a disability that makes the screenshots below difficult, contact the IT Service Desk for personalized support.

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