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Copilot Chat Demos – March 19

March 19 Copilot Chat Demo Flyer

Join Information Technology Services (ITS) for a live, virtual demonstration to see how Copilot Chat integrates with Microsoft 365 apps to help you draft content, summarize information, generate ideas, and streamline everyday tasks.

During this 60-minute session, we will walk through practical examples of how Copilot Chat can be used
with tools such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint to improve productivity and simplify common workflows. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and explore ways Copilot can support your work.

Event Details

When: Thursday, March 19
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
12 – 1 p.m.
3 – 4 p.m.

Where: Virtual (link will be shared in advance of the training to all registered attendees)

Register: Sign up to Attend

More Info about Copilot Chat: Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot Chat

Upcoming Windows Upgrade to Enable Microsoft 365 AI Tools 

George Mason University is leading statewide efforts in inclusive and responsible AI, using innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to harness AI’s potential while establishing strong ethical, regulatory, and social frameworks to guide its use.

An important step in this work is ensuring staff have equitable access to these advanced tools that can streamline routine tasks, enhance content creation, and improve overall efficiency. To support this effort, Information Technology Services (ITS) will upgrade all George Mason-managed Windows computers beginning Thursday, March 12, enabling access to Microsoft 365 AI capabilities (i.e., Copilot Chat) across Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other productivity tools.  

Conducting the upgrade during Spring Break minimizes disruption while ensuring managed Windows users can benefit from the same AI-driven enhancements already available to managed Mac users. This upgrade will help create a more consistent and modern user experience across the university.

This initiative aligns directly with President Washington’s vision for George Mason to proactively leverage AI to manage workload more effectively and drive institutional operational efficiencies. Preparing our computing environment to support this direction is an essential step in advancing that priority.

ITS is well positioned to support this transition by offering on-demand guidance, training resources, and expert assistance through our Microsoft partnership to ensure a smooth and successful adoption of these new tools. If you have any questions about your George Mason-managed device or the upgrade, ITS Support is available 24/7 via 703-993-8870 or at https://its.gmu.edu/chat.

I am confident that having these tools at your fingertips will support a productive and successful remainder of spring 2026 and beyond.

PatriotAI User Training Recap

On February 17 & 19, Information Technology Services (ITS) hosted PatriotAI End User Training at the Mason Square Campus for faculty, staff, and students curious about PatriotAI, George Mason’s suite of generative AI tools. Led by members of the Cloudforce Customer Success Team, the training provided an introduction to generative and agentic AI, explained how AI models generate responses, and taught users how to craft effective prompts using the PACE framework (Problem, Action, Context, Expectations).

Highlights of the sessions included:

  • How PatriotAI supports educational tasks such as syllabus drafting, student engagement strategies, meeting planning, and program assessment through structured prompting
  • AI limitations such as the potential for incorrect answers and lack of long-term memory
  • The importance of privacy, noting that PatriotAI stores data securely within George Mason’s Azure environment and does not use user data for model training.

For anyone who wasn’t available to attend but interested in learning more about PatriotAI, the session slides are available:

GMU End User Training Feb17Download

Intro to PatriotAI: Hands-on Training Feb. 17 & 19 (Mason Square)

Curious about PatriotAI but not sure where to begin? This hands-on session is designed to introduce you to this suite of AI tools and provide tips and best practices to set you up for success—no prior experience required. Whether you’re exploring PatriotAI for personal growth or professional innovation, this event will help you build confidence and clarity.

Event Details

SessionDescriptionDate & TimeLocationRegistration
Intro to PatriotAI
(Faculty & Staff)		This session is designed for faculty/staff who are new to PatriotAI and generative AI technologies. The training provides foundational knowledge, practical tips, and hands-on practice to help participants confidently interact with PatriotAI agents.Tuesday, February 17

Session 1: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 19

Session 1: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: 1 – 2:30 p.m.		In Person

Mason Square
Van Metre Hall
Room 113		Register
Intro to PatriotAI
(Students)		This session is designed for students who are new to PatriotAI and generative AI technologies. The training provides foundational knowledge, practical tips, and hands-on practice to help participants confidently interact with PatriotAI agents.Tuesday, February 17

Session 1: 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Session 2: 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, February 19

Session 1: 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Session 2: 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.		In Person

Mason Square
Van Metre Hall
Room 113		Register for Feb 17 Session 1

Register for Feb 17 Session 2

Register for Feb 19 Session 1

Register for Feb 19 Session 2

Note: This event is BYOD (bring your own device)

What You’ll Learn:

  • Intro to PatriotAI
    Discover what PatriotAI is, how it works, and why it’s reshaping the way we create, communicate, and solve problems at George Mason.
  • Intro to Agents
    Learn about PatriotAI agents—what they are, how they function, and how they can be customized to support your goals.
  • Basic Chat Dynamics
    Understand how PatriotAI conversations work, including how context, tone, and structure influence responses.
  • Tips for Effective Prompting
    Get practical advice on how to write prompts that guide PatriotAI effectively and produce useful, accurate results.
  • Prompting Practice
    Try it yourself! Engage in guided exercises to sharpen your prompting skills in real time.
  • Understanding Limitations & Addressing Resistance
    Explore the boundaries of PatriotAI, common misconceptions, and how to navigate skepticism or pushback.
  • Privacy and Data Safety
    Learn how to use PatriotAI responsibly, with a focus on protecting personal and organizational data.
  • Getting Help and Support
    Discover resources, communities, and tools to continue your AI journey beyond the workshop. PatriotAI FAQs.

For event details and links to register, see the AI Toolkit.

Windows 10 Reminder

Windows 10 Systems Removal – January 30, 2026 

Microsoft retired Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and no longer provides security updates or support. To maintain network security, all George Mason-managed Windows 10 systems must be upgraded to Windows 11, replaced, or request extended security protection by Friday, January 30, 2026.

Systems not in compliance will be removed from the university network. 

Individuals using Windows 10 systems should contact their department’s IT director for further guidance. Options include:

  • Upgrade Your Computer: The Windows 11 upgrade is available in Software Center (Start Menu).
  • Replace Hardware if Needed: Some systems may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, and new hardware may be required. Departments are responsible for replacements. Learn more about purchasing options at George Mason Endpoint Information and Resources.
  • Consider an Extended Warranty: Microsoft offers the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates. IT directors must process these requests. ITS does not centrally coordinate or fund this.  

For more details, visit the Windows 11 Roadmap.

If you have questions or need assistance, ITS Support is available 24/7 via 703-993-8870 or its.gmu.edu/chat.