Introduction
D2L Brightspace uses different roles to manage what users can see and do inside a course. Each role has its own set of permissions tailored to teaching, assisting, reviewing, or completing coursework.
Instructions
Available Roles in D2L Brightspace
- Student
- Student – Extended Access (formerly Student Incomplete)
- TA
- TA – View Grades
- TA-plus
- TA – CMST
- Instructor(2)
- reviewer
- ABET Reviewer
Role Descriptions & Permissions
Student
- Standard learner role for coursework.
- Can participate in course activities and view published content.
- Cannot modify course settings or content.
Student – Extended Access (for Incompletes)
- Used when instructors need to extend access to a course for an incomplete grade.
- Allows a student to re‑enter a past‑term course to finish required work.
- Permissions are the same as the regular Student role.
TA (Teaching Assistant)
- View student activity and course data.
- Access to assignments, discussion posts, and quizzes.
- Can add or delete course content.
- Can view draft content items.
- Cannot access or edit the gradebook.
TA – View Grades
- Includes all permissions of the TA role.
- Can view the gradebook and student grades.
- Cannot edit grades.
TA-plus
- Includes all permissions of the TA role.
- Can view and edit the gradebook.
- Useful for TAs who help manage assessments and grading.
TA – CMST
- A specialized TA role created for specific departments or programs.
- Should only be used by the appropriate unit.
- Permissions vary based on departmental needs.
Instructor(2)
- A full teaching role with a few restrictions:
- Cannot delete discussion posts.
- Cannot modify classlist enrollment at the Instructor or Instructor(2) level.
- Can enroll students, TAs, and TA-plus roles.
- Can deliver and manage all instructional content.
reviewer
- Read‑only access to course materials.
- Cannot modify course content or interact in course activities.
- Typically used for observational or auditing purposes.
ABET Reviewer
- Specialized reviewer role for ABET accreditation evaluations.
- Similar to reviewer access but tailored to accreditation needs.
- Should only be used by approved departments or reviewers.