Access to the tools and functions within a Brightspace course are controlled by the role assigned to the user. For example, the Instructor role gives a user access to many features that someone in the course as a Student does not have.
This article lists the main roles in Brightspace and gives a short description of the permissions associated with the role within a Brightspace course.
Standard Roles
| Tool Access |
Student |
Instructor |
Sandbox Instructor |
| Announcements |
View only |
Post, edit |
(same as instructor) |
| Assignments |
View, submit, receive feedback |
Create, assess |
(same as instructor) |
| Awards |
View only |
Create, issue |
(same as instructor) |
| Calendar |
View only |
Add, edit |
(same as instructor) |
| Checklist |
View, complete |
Add |
(same as instructor) |
| Class Progress |
View only (self only) |
View (all users) |
(same as instructor) |
| Content |
View |
View, create
(including external learning tools)
|
(same as instructor) |
| Discussions |
View, post, reply, receive feedback |
Create, post, assess |
(same as instructor) |
| Email |
Send, receive |
Send, receive |
(same as instructor) |
| Grades |
View only |
Create, post |
(same as instructor) |
| Groups/Sections |
View only |
Create, manage |
(same as instructor) |
| Quizzes |
View, complete, receive feedback |
Add, edit, access |
(same as instructor) |
| Surveys |
View, complete |
Add, edit, assess |
(same as instructor) |
| Course Settings |
NA |
Create, edit
(nav bars, homepages, widgets, import, export, copy)
|
(same as instructor)
plus; enroll, unenroll users (non-credit courses only)
|
Additional Roles
Reviewer: view only access to major tools and content without user data attached
- available to all Brightspace users with instructor permission
Student - Extended Access: elevates the Student role to give access to a course after the End Date has passed
- available to all students with instructor permission
Student - Elevated 1: elevates the Student role to allow announcement posting, ability to send emails, and to give feedback on assignments
- available to all students with instructor permission
Student - Elevated 2: elevates the Student role to allow announcement posting, ability to send emails, and to give feedback on discussions
- available to all students with instructor permission
Student - Elevated 3: elevates the Student role to allow announcement posting, ability to send emails, and to give feedback on assignments and discussions
- available to all students with instructor permission
Learn More
Need additional information or assistance? Contact WSU TLT by email, phone (507.457.5240, option 3), or Zoom.