Western Sydney University rolls out Copilot to all staff

Western Sydney University has given all staff and Higher Degree Research students access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, becoming the first university in New South Wales to deploy the tool across its workforce.

Access extends to all staff, including casual employees, and is intended to bring artificial intelligence into routine administrative, teaching and research work. The rollout follows a pilot involving 100 users.

According to the university, the trial found the software could reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. Staff can use the system to draft documents, summarise meetings, analyse information and prepare presentations.

The rollout is part of a broader relationship with Microsoft that began with a memorandum of understanding signed last year. The university said the decision also supports its wider push on digital equity and workforce preparation for students and staff.

Vice-Chancellor and President Distinguished Professor George Williams said the decision was tied to the institution's core academic mission.

"We're not adopting AI for its own sake. We're doing it because it helps us better deliver on our core purpose: student success," said George Williams, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University.

Williams said the university saw a need to prepare graduates for a labour market likely to be reshaped by AI.

"A student starting with us today will graduate into a workforce that looks very different from the one we know now. It's our responsibility to make sure they're ready for that world, and that starts with making sure our staff are equipped to lead the way," he said.

Training support

Microsoft will provide support for staff training and adoption as part of the arrangement. This will include development in areas such as agentic AI, curriculum design and student engagement.

The university said its training programme would reflect a human-centred approach to AI. It also plans to create a community of practice across the institution to share lessons from the rollout.

Management said student expectations were one factor in the decision to move quickly. Williams said students wanted academic and professional staff to understand how to use AI tools in a secure and effective way.

"Our students are telling us they want the people who teach and support them to be proficient in AI. They know these technologies are the future of work and expect their university experience to prepare them for that reality," Williams said.

"By providing every staff member with access to Microsoft Copilot, we're ensuring our people have the skills and confidence to use AI effectively and securely. When we free our educators from time-consuming, repetitive tasks, we give them back what matters most: time with their students," he said.

Sector pressure

Australian universities have been weighing how quickly to adopt generative AI in teaching, research and administration while also addressing concerns about academic integrity, staff training and uneven access to new tools. Western Sydney University's decision stands out because it applies across the institution rather than being limited to selected teams or trials.

For Microsoft, the agreement adds another higher education customer for Copilot as it seeks to expand use of AI software in workplaces and public institutions. Universities have an important role in preparing students for changing patterns of work and study, the company said.

"AI is changing how Australians learn and work, and our universities have a defining role in preparing people for that future," said Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.

"Western Sydney University is showing what genuine ambition looks like by giving every staff member and its Higher Degree Research students the tools, training and confidence to use AI well," she said.

"This places Western Sydney University among a leading group of universities worldwide in bringing Copilot to all staff. It also reflects what we value most at Microsoft: keeping people at the centre of AI, empowering them to lead the change and building the future of work together. We're proud to be their partner on that journey," Livesey said.