GitHub
Training | Access | GitHub Copilot | Additional Resources
GitHub
GitHub is a website and service that hosts and tracks changes in projects using Git, an open-source version control system. It provides distributed version control, access control, bug tracking, software feature requests, task management, and wikis for every project. Beyond programming, GitHub serves as a collaborative platform for developers to create, store, manage, and share their code.
Key Features:
- Version Control: GitHub is primarily known for its role as a distributed version control system. Developers use it to track changes, collaborate on code, and manage different versions of their projects.
- Collaboration: GitHub provides a platform for collaborative development. Multiple contributors can work on the same project simultaneously, making it easy to merge changes, review code, and resolve conflicts.
- Open-Source Projects: GitHub hosts a vast ecosystem of open-source projects. Developers can contribute to existing projects or create their own, fostering a global community of collaboration and innovation.
- Issue Tracking and Bug Reporting: GitHub’s built-in issue tracking system allows developers to report and manage bugs, feature requests, and other project-related tasks. It streamlines communication between developers and users.
- Documentation and Wikis: GitHub repositories often include documentation and wikis, providing essential information about the project. These resources help users understand how to use the software, contribute, and troubleshoot issues.
In summary, GitHub serves as a hub for code hosting, collaboration, and project management, benefiting developers, organizations, and the broader software community.
Training
LinkedIn Learning provides several GitHub training resources that are helpful. Enterprise Applications recommends using GitHub Desktop when accessing GitHub.
GitHub also offers a variety of tools for educational purposes. These tools are outside of WashU’s purview but can help both students and teachers in their development. They offer a free GitHub Pro account for verified learners, including unlimited repositories, GitHub Copilot Pro, and other resources, all at no cost.
Access
Access to either Washington University tenant is restricted to GitHub users who hold an active WashU KEY as students, faculty, staff members, or WashU guests. Washington University has two tenants in GitHub:
This is an Enterprise-managed instance directly managed by WashU through our identity provider. Users cannot collaborate outside the enterprise; it allows for internal and private repositories only. GitHub accounts are provisioned by the enterprise, and users authenticate with their WashU Key and 2FA (Duo). It is the default choice for most use cases that are not academically focused. Access is provided via our Microsoft Entra identity provider, and teams are typically assigned a new GitHub organization tailored to their specific needs. Each team is responsible for setting up the organization once provisioned; upon provisioning, two owners will be assigned with the ability to manage their organization and fine-tune access to various code repositories.
This instance supports open-source collaboration where public and private repositories can coexist, with other GitHub users managed externally to WashU, depending on policy. Users log in with their personal GitHub account and authenticate through SAML Single Sign-On (front-door access only). All access to organizations and repositories is controlled through GitHub. This instance requires additional information on the use case to confirm it is the best option. Teams are typically assigned a new GitHub organization tailored to their specific needs; upon provisioning, two owners will be assigned with the ability to add other members to the organization.
- New GitHub Access (EMU or Education) – ServiceNow Request
- New GitHub Organization (EMU or Education) – ServiceNow Request
- RIS GitHub Enterprise – RIS Services User Manual (wustl.edu)
- Researchers and Laboratories should request access to GitHub through RIS.
NOTE: When using GitHub, it should be noted that GitHub is not approved for confidential, HIPAA, or any protected information.
GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It integrates directly into your development environment — including popular IDEs such as Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, and JetBrains — as well as into GitHub.com itself. Copilot provides real-time code suggestions, autocompletion, chat-based assistance, automated code review, and agentic task execution, helping developers write better code faster.
For enterprises on GitHub Enterprise Cloud, Copilot is available in two tiers: Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise. Both plans include centralized policy management, audit logs, and content exclusion controls to meet organizational security and compliance requirements.
| Tier | Best For | Credits | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | Teams that primarily use IDE-based coding assistance | 1,900 credits | $19/user/month |
| Premium | Power users regularly using Cowork or higher cost models Developers or researchers using reasoning or Code | 3,900 credits | $39/user/month |
Interested in requesting access? Faculty, staff and departments may submit a service request for GitHub – Copilot Access (Education) or GitHub – Copilot Access (Enterprise-managed).
Additional Resources
GitHub Copilot Plans & Pricing (GitHub)
Choosing Your Enterprise’s Plan for GitHub Copilot (GitHub Docs)