diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py b/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py
index 1fcd9887ea07..3749bc05035a 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ class GlobalStaff(AccessRole):
     The global staff role
     """
     def has_user(self, user):
-        return bool(user and user.is_staff)
+        return bool(user and (user.is_superuser or user.is_staff))
 
     def add_users(self, *users):
         for user in users: