2. Logging in as a System User

The Beacon log-in page is located at https://u3abeacon.org.uk

After clicking into the u3a drop-down list you can scroll down using the slider on the right to find and select your u3a:

Alternatively, click into the box where it says "Type to search u3a sites" and enter part of your u3a name to show a shortened list of u3a's to select from. This method is the better one to use with a touch-screen such as on a tablet or phone:

Having selected your u3a, enter your Username and Password, which will have been sent to you by your Site Administrator, and press the Enter button:

• You are allowed four attempts to log in. If the fourth try fails, another attempt will not be accepted for 15 minutes. You may be able to avoid this delay by closing and re-opening your browser.
  With some browser/device combinations you will need to delete your browser's cookies. If you wish to selectively delete Beacon's cookies look for u3abeacon.org.uk.
  
  
• If you continue to be unable to log in, seek the assistance of your Site Administrator who will confirm your username and may re-set your password.

If you have forgotten your username or password, use the Click here link at the bottom of the screen or contact your Site Administrator.

Cookie Control

The fist time you land on this page, and occasionally after that, the Cookie Control appears. It describes the optional cookies that your browser can store to remember a range of handy preferences for your next visit. If you are using a public or shared computer always click "I Do Not Accept". Closing the control without making a choice is the equivalent of "I Do Not Accept".
You can open the cookie control at any time by clicking the cog in the black triangle located at the bottom left of every Beacon screen.

If you keep seeing the Cookie Control prompt on every page then your browser is blocking the cookie that remembers your choice. The Norton Antitrack browser add-on has been reported to do this.

The cookies control can also be used to clear your Beacon cookies. Click on the cog then "I Do Not Accept". Then click on the cog again and click "I Accept optional cookies"

Password Management

If you have not used the system before, or if your password has been re-set by a Site Administrator, you will be prompted to change your password and set a Security Question and Answer.

Enter your new password in the New password box and enter it again in the Confirm box. As you type there will be hints displayed to tell you whether you have chosen a good password, if it meets the format requirements and if the 2 entries match.

You can accept the default Question (your first school) or change it to something else. Make sure that the Answer is something that you will remember (including the format) but which is unlikely to be known to anyone else.

After pressing the Submit button you will be taken to the Beacon Home page

Revision History

v2	2020-08-11	Graham Tigg	Added may need to remove cookies for 15-minute timeout
v3	2020-12-09	John Alexander	Amended to say passwords can be pasted.
v4	2022-02-17	Graham Tigg	Updated for cookie control
v5	2022-05-21	Graham Tigg	Suggestions with cookie control issues
v6	2022-08-16	Graham Tigg	Replaced screenshot. Added that the cookie control can be used to clear cookies.
v7	2023-08-22	Graeme Bunting	Now allowed 4 attempts to log-in, previously 3
v8	2024-08-29	Graeme Bunting	New method of selecting your u3a name added