Artificial Intelligence Resources

In partnership with colleagues across campus, CIRT is leading the way in transforming the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources experience through innovative AI tools that empower every member of our community. We are dedicated to delivering a wide range of AI‑driven solutions at the cutting edge of technology—supporting success and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and outreach. Explore our latest initiatives and join us as we advance knowledge through innovation!

What we do for AI:

Use‑case advising & demos (teaching, Extension workflows, literature reviews, data summarization)
Tool selection & procurement (M365 Copilot licenses, Tech Store purchases, IT Readiness)
Data‑classification and risk checks aligned with MSU’s interim guidance
Training & onboarding plans for units, including prompt patterns and change management
Pilot coordination for upcoming tools (Zoom AI Companion, Gemini) within CANR units

What you can use today

Microsoft Copilot (no-cost with MSU login)

MSU provides Microsoft Copilot with enterprise data protections for students, faculty, and staff when signed in with your MSU credentials. Use it for everyday tasks like drafting, summarizing, generating images, and lightweight coding—with responses protected under Microsoft’s enterprise safeguards. Log in with your MSU NetID; contact CANR IT if you need help.

Microsoft 365 Copilot (add-on license)

Microsoft 365 CoPilot is an intelligent, AI-driven assistant seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Designed to supercharge productivity, Copilot helps you work smarter by transforming your ideas into polished documents, dynamic presentations, and data-driven insights in seconds. Licenses for Microsoft 365 Copilot are available through the MSU Tech Store.

ChatGPT (enterprise application via Tech Store)

MSU has secured an enterprise application version of ChatGPT and is available to purchase from the MSU Tech Store for MSU faculty and staff. This licensed version provides a secure platform for faculty and staff to explore AI-assisted research activities while protecting sensitive data.

ICER Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research

The Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research (ICER) at MSU provides advanced computing resources—including the High-Performance Computing Center (HPCC) and specialized tools for AI and machine learning—to support research and instruction across campus. Learn more about ICER and AI.

What’s coming / under evaluation

Google Gemini: campus availability is planned; timing and scope are still being finalized.
Zoom AI Companion: undergoing security/accessibility review; pilot planned for later this summer.
Spartan One‑Stop Chatbot (Google Gemini–powered): in advanced review stages for student‑services FAQs integration.

Responsible use at MSU (read this before you use your data)

MSU’s interim guidance establishes what kinds of data can (and cannot) be used with different AI tools:

Approved for institutional/FERPA data: Microsoft Copilot with enterprise data protection when you’re signed in with MSU credentials. Not approved for HIPAA/PCI/CUI or other controlled data.
Public data only unless otherwise approved: consumer or third‑party generative AI (e.g., non‑enterprise ChatGPT, public Gemini) should be treated as “public data only” by default.
Research & creative activities: follow MSU’s Office of Research and Innovation interim guidance—especially around human subjects, IP/public disclosure, and approvals from IT Governance, Risk & Compliance when applicable.
General expectations: see the Provost’s guidance for instructors and students on ethical use, disclosure, and academic integrity.
Background & reminders: MSU’s generative AI advisories and news posts summarize risks (misinformation, bias), data handling, and evolving policy.

Not sure whether your data is okay to use? Ask CIRT first—we’ll help interpret MSU policy for your scenario.