> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.goguardian.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Initial Setup Checklist

> A six-step checklist for Super Users deploying and configuring a GoGuardian Beacon Starter subscription.

This checklist covers the steps to deploy and configure a Beacon Starter subscription. For a full walkthrough with videos, log in to GoGuardian University and complete the [GoGuardian Beacon Onboarding Guide](https://university.goguardian.com/courses/goguardian-beacon-starter-onboarding-guide).

<Note>
  Beacon Starter is included at no additional cost with a GoGuardian Admin subscription. If you are unsure which Beacon level your organization has, contact your GoGuardian representative. For Beacon Core or 24/7 onboarding, contact your GoGuardian representative to get started.
</Note>

## Setup Steps

### Step 1 — Install GoGuardian Extensions

Install the GoGuardian Extensions via Google Admin Console. See [Install GoGuardian Extensions](/products/beacon/install-extensions) for instructions.

Skip this step if you have already installed the extensions for another GoGuardian product.

### Step 2 — Configure User Permissions

Assign the appropriate Beacon account type to each staff member who needs access to Beacon in Org Management. Beacon has three account types:

| Account type        | Access level                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Super Counselor** | Full access. Modify all settings, snooze alerts, view and modify all alert components, set risk level, add or remove users, request guardian contact updates, and provide phase categorization feedback. |
| **Counselor**       | Limited read-write access. View and modify all alert components, set risk level, create notes, and view settings. Cannot edit settings or manage users.                                                  |
| **View Only**       | Read only. View all alert components, update actions taken, view notes and risk level, and provide phase categorization feedback.                                                                        |

Only Super Users can assign or change Beacon permission levels. Super User is the Org Management permission that grants access to Beacon, not a Beacon account type. For full permission details, see [Beacon User Roles and Permissions](/products/beacon/user-roles-and-permissions).

### Step 3 — Create Deployments in Org Management

Create one or more deployments in Org Management. Each deployment covers a specific set of Organizational Units (OUs). Each deployment can have unique users added. Create each deployment based on the users who should be notified for each set of OUs.

Key rules for deployments:

* Each sub-OU you want Beacon to cover must be selected individually. Beacon does not automatically include child sub-OUs of a parent OU.
* Each OU can only be part of one deployment.
* There is no limit to the number of OUs in a single deployment.
* Update deployment configurations any time your OU structure changes.

See [Create a Deployment](/products/beacon/create-a-deployment) for step-by-step instructions.

### Step 4 — Set Up Users

Add yourself and any additional staff to the deployment's User List. Complete your user profile.

<Warning>
  Users added to a deployment can see all alert cards and information for that deployment. Be selective when adding users.
</Warning>

<Note>
  Users must have Beacon permissions assigned in Org Management before they can be added to a deployment.
</Note>

### Step 5 — Configure Settings and Escalation List

Configure Beacon settings and add users to the Escalation List for the deployment.

The Escalation List is a notification system that determines who receives alert notifications and in what order. It is configured under **Staff Notifications** and is separate from the Users List.

<Note>
  In Beacon Starter, only one user or all users may be added to the Escalation List to receive staff notifications.
</Note>

<Note>
  A deployment is not active until at least one user is added to the Escalation List.
</Note>

### Step 6 (Optional) — Add Guardian Contact Information

Add parent and guardian contact information under the **Guardians** tab. You can add contacts one at a time or by CSV upload. Add Relationships to link guardians to students.

Guardian contact information appears on each alert card for quick reference.

<Note>
  Beacon is one part of a student safety plan. Review GoGuardian's best practices for rolling out Beacon before enabling the product for students.
</Note>

## Resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create a Deployment" href="/products/beacon/create-a-deployment">
    Step-by-step instructions for creating a Beacon deployment.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Install GoGuardian Extensions" href="/products/beacon/install-extensions">
    Install the GoGuardian Extensions via Google Admin Console.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Beacon Glossary" href="/products/beacon/beacon-glossary">
    Definitions for key Beacon terms, including roles, phases, and escalation lists.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tips and Resources" href="/products/beacon/tips-and-resources">
    Guidance on preparing staff and guardians for Beacon notifications.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>