McGill University is actively exploring and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance productivity, creativity, and learning across our community. This page provides a centralized overview of AI tools currently available or under pilot at McGill, including access details, support resources, and guidance for responsible use.
Refer to the Approved Cloud Services or Rejected Cloud Services list for all approved or not approved cloud solutions.
Available AI tools
These tools are currently licensed and supported for McGill faculty, staff, and students (where applicable). All AI tools should be used in accordance with the general guidelines using AI tools.
|
Tool |
Description | Access/Availability | What kind of data can I use |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat |
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is an AI-powered feature integrated into Microsoft Edge and accessible through other browsers. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can answer questions, generate content, condense long texts and more. A secure version with enterprise data protection is available for all McGill users. |
Audience: Staff, Faculty, and Students Price: Free How to access: “How to access the service" in the service description Training: self-paced online course (Log into myCourses) |
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|
Synthesia |
Synthesia is an AI-powered video generation platform that allows users to create professional videos without the need for cameras, actors, or editing skills. It enables users to generate videos using AI avatars and voiceovers in multiple languages. |
Audience: Pricing: $9 960 per seat/year* discount could be applied. Price after discount $7,980 How to Access: see IT Knowledge Base: About Synthesia |
Regulated or Protected Data: Only upon request and approval. To request a data assessment or assistance before acquiring a new software or cloud service, fill out this form. |
AI tools currently in testing
As part of McGill’s AI exploration strategy, several AI tools are being evaluated and piloted. Access may be limited to specific departments, projects, or pilot participants.
- ChatGPT Edu (OpenAI) - A secure, enhanced version of ChatGPT with access to GPT-5, file analysis, coding tools, and more – tailored for higher education. For details visit About:ChatGPT Edu.
- Microsoft Copilot Studio – A tool for building AI chatbots without needing much coding. It’s integrated into Microsoft apps and is currently used to test the “AskMcGill” internal chatbot.
- Microsoft Teams Premium with AI Features - Offers AI-powered meeting summaries, live translations, and intelligent recap features in Teams.
For more information about the AI tools currently in testing, please contact ai [at] mcgill.ca.
Rejected AI tools for use at McGill
Only available AI tools may be used at McGill. Any tool not listed in the “Available AI tools" section must not be used. We have highlighted a few specific tools below that are explicitly prohibited and these tools must not be used under any circumstances.
If a tool is not mentioned in the “Available AI tools” list, it is automatically considered rejected, even if it is not listed among these prohibited tools
- DeepSeek AI: This tool has raised serious data exposure risks and prompt injection vulnerabilities. Its use is not permitted for any McGill-managed or research-funded device. This decision follows cybersecurity directives from the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada. (See full McGill IT Announcement here)
- Read.AI and Other AI Meeting Bots: These bots automatically join Teams meetings to generate summaries. These tools are not approved for McGill use due to privacy and data handling concerns. If you have interacted with Read.AI, you may have unknowingly created an account. Do not allow these bots in meetings or click shared summary links. Follow these instructions to delete your account or block bot access.
For more information on which apps and/or software can be used for McGill activities, consult the McGill Approved and Rejected Cloud Services.
Guidance on responsible AI use
All AI tools must be used in compliance with McGill’s values, ethical standards, and privacy policies. As AI continues to evolve, we encourage all users to stay informed and mindful of its appropriate use in academic and administrative context.
You can refer to the general guidelines using AI tools.
Go back to AI home page.
