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Getting Started

This page helps you get GitHub access and learn the basics.

🎯 What You'll Do

  1. Learn the rules (10 minutes)
  2. Pass the quiz (5 minutes)
  3. Request access (2 minutes)
  4. Wait for approval (1-2 days)
  5. Set up your account (15 minutes)

Step 1: Learn GitHub Basics

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a place to:

  • Store code and documents
  • Track changes to your work
  • Collaborate with team members
  • Share your projects safely

How We Use GitHub

Our organization uses GitHub for:

  • ✅ Research code and documentation
  • ✅ Educational materials and tutorials
  • ✅ Open source projects and tools
  • ✅ Team collaboration on projects

What You CANNOT Put on GitHub

Never Upload These

  • Patient data (PHI/PII)
  • Passwords or secret keys
  • Private company information
  • Personal information of staff or students

Step 2: Understand Your Role

When you get access, you'll have one of these roles:

👁️ Viewer

  • Can read and download public content
  • Cannot make changes
  • Good for: Students, external collaborators

✏️ Contributor

  • Can suggest changes through "pull requests"
  • Cannot directly edit main content
  • Good for: Researchers, developers

🔧 Maintainer

  • Can approve changes and manage repositories
  • Has administrative responsibilities
  • Good for: Project leads, senior staff

Step 3: Complete the Learning Path

Required Reading (10 minutes)

  1. Basic Rules
    Essential policies

  2. Data Safety
    What you can/cannot upload

  3. Security Requirements
    How to stay secure

Pass the Quiz (5 minutes)

After reading the rules: Take the Quiz

You need 80% or higher to get access.

Step 4: Request Access

After completing the quiz: Request Access

You'll need: - Your institutional email
- Manager/supervisor approval - Quiz completion confirmation

Step 5: Account Setup

Once approved, you'll get an email with:

  • Link to accept GitHub invitation
  • Instructions for two-factor authentication
  • Links to your assigned teams and repositories

❓ Common Questions

"I'm not technical - is this for me?"

Yes! GitHub isn't just for programmers. We use it for: - Documentation and guides - Sharing research findings
- Collaborative writing - Educational materials

"How long does approval take?"

Usually 1-2 business days. Complex requests may take longer.

"What if I make a mistake?"

Don't worry! Most actions can be undone. When in doubt, ask for help.

"Who can I contact for help?"

See our Contact Information page.

📋 Quick Checklist

Next Step: Read the Basic Rules 👉