diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
index 227d26c15e..5753c30423 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIDenyLevels(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
         # Endpoints that only Staff or Instructors can access
         self.staff_level_endpoints = [
-            ('students_update_enrollment', {'emails': 'foo@example.org', 'action': 'enroll'}),
+            ('students_update_enrollment', {'identifiers': 'foo@example.org', 'action': 'enroll'}),
             ('get_grading_config', {}),
             ('get_students_features', {}),
             ('get_distribution', {}),
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIDenyLevels(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         ]
         # Endpoints that only Instructors can access
         self.instructor_level_endpoints = [
-            ('bulk_beta_modify_access', {'emails': 'foo@example.org', 'action': 'add'}),
+            ('bulk_beta_modify_access', {'identifiers': 'foo@example.org', 'action': 'add'}),
             ('modify_access', {'unique_student_identifier': self.user.email, 'rolename': 'beta', 'action': 'allow'}),
             ('list_course_role_members', {'rolename': 'beta'}),
             ('rescore_problem', {'problem_to_reset': self.problem_urlname, 'unique_student_identifier': self.user.email}),
@@ -291,13 +291,12 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         """ Test with an invalid action. """
         action = 'robot-not-an-action'
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.enrolled_student.email, 'action': action})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.enrolled_student.email, 'action': action})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 400)
 
-    def test_enroll_with_username(self):
-        # Test with an invalid email address (eg, a username).
+    def test_invalid_email(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notenrolled_student.username, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': False})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': 'percivaloctavius@', 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': False})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
         # test the response data
@@ -306,9 +305,59 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             'auto_enroll': False,
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.notenrolled_student.username,
-                    "error": True,
-                    "invalidEmail": True
+                    "identifier": 'percivaloctavius@',
+                    "invalidIdentifier": True,
+                }
+            ]
+        }
+
+        res_json = json.loads(response.content)
+        self.assertEqual(res_json, expected)
+
+    def test_invalid_username(self):
+        url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': 'percivaloctavius', 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': False})
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+
+        # test the response data
+        expected = {
+            "action": "enroll",
+            'auto_enroll': False,
+            "results": [
+                {
+                    "identifier": 'percivaloctavius',
+                    "invalidIdentifier": True,
+                }
+            ]
+        }
+
+        res_json = json.loads(response.content)
+        self.assertEqual(res_json, expected)
+
+    def test_enroll_with_username(self):
+        url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.username, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': False})
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+
+        # test the response data
+        expected = {
+            "action": "enroll",
+            'auto_enroll': False,
+            "results": [
+                {
+                    "identifier": self.notenrolled_student.username,
+                    "before": {
+                        "enrollment": False,
+                        "auto_enroll": False,
+                        "user": True,
+                        "allowed": False,
+                    },
+                    "after": {
+                        "enrollment": True,
+                        "auto_enroll": False,
+                        "user": True,
+                        "allowed": False,
+                    }
                 }
             ]
         }
@@ -318,7 +367,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_enroll_without_email(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': False})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': False})
         print "type(self.notenrolled_student.email): {}".format(type(self.notenrolled_student.email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -332,7 +381,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             "auto_enroll": False,
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.notenrolled_student.email,
+                    "identifier": self.notenrolled_student.email,
                     "before": {
                         "enrollment": False,
                         "auto_enroll": False,
@@ -357,7 +406,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_enroll_with_email(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
         print "type(self.notenrolled_student.email): {}".format(type(self.notenrolled_student.email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -371,7 +420,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             "auto_enroll": False,
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.notenrolled_student.email,
+                    "identifier": self.notenrolled_student.email,
                     "before": {
                         "enrollment": False,
                         "auto_enroll": False,
@@ -409,7 +458,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_enroll_with_email_not_registered(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
         # Check the outbox
@@ -432,7 +481,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
         # Try with marketing site enabled
         with patch.dict('django.conf.settings.FEATURES', {'ENABLE_MKTG_SITE': True}):
-            response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
+            response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
 
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
         self.assertEqual(
@@ -446,7 +495,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_enroll_with_email_not_registered_autoenroll(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True, 'auto_enroll': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True, 'auto_enroll': True})
         print "type(self.notregistered_email): {}".format(type(self.notregistered_email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -467,7 +516,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_unenroll_without_email(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.enrolled_student.email, 'action': 'unenroll', 'email_students': False})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.enrolled_student.email, 'action': 'unenroll', 'email_students': False})
         print "type(self.enrolled_student.email): {}".format(type(self.enrolled_student.email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -481,7 +530,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             "auto_enroll": False,
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.enrolled_student.email,
+                    "identifier": self.enrolled_student.email,
                     "before": {
                         "enrollment": True,
                         "auto_enroll": False,
@@ -506,7 +555,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_unenroll_with_email(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.enrolled_student.email, 'action': 'unenroll', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.enrolled_student.email, 'action': 'unenroll', 'email_students': True})
         print "type(self.enrolled_student.email): {}".format(type(self.enrolled_student.email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -520,7 +569,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             "auto_enroll": False,
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.enrolled_student.email,
+                    "identifier": self.enrolled_student.email,
                     "before": {
                         "enrollment": True,
                         "auto_enroll": False,
@@ -557,7 +606,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
 
     def test_unenroll_with_email_allowed_student(self):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.allowed_email, 'action': 'unenroll', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.allowed_email, 'action': 'unenroll', 'email_students': True})
         print "type(self.allowed_email): {}".format(type(self.allowed_email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -567,7 +616,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
             "auto_enroll": False,
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.allowed_email,
+                    "identifier": self.allowed_email,
                     "before": {
                         "enrollment": False,
                         "auto_enroll": False,
@@ -605,7 +654,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         mock_uses_shib.return_value = True
 
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
         # Check the outbox
@@ -629,7 +678,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
         # Try with marketing site enabled
         with patch.dict('django.conf.settings.FEATURES', {'ENABLE_MKTG_SITE': True}):
-            response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
+            response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True})
 
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
         self.assertEqual(
@@ -644,7 +693,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
         mock_uses_shib.return_value = True
 
         url = reverse('students_update_enrollment', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True, 'auto_enroll': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'enroll', 'email_students': True, 'auto_enroll': True})
         print "type(self.notregistered_email): {}".format(type(self.notregistered_email))
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
@@ -699,21 +748,28 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
         """ Test with an invalid action. """
         action = 'robot-not-an-action'
         url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.beta_tester.email, 'action': action})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.beta_tester.email, 'action': action})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 400)
 
-    def test_add_notenrolled(self):
-        url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': False})
-        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+    def add_notenrolled(self, response, identifier):
+        """
+        Test Helper Method (not a test, called by other tests)
 
+        Takes a client response from a call to bulk_beta_modify_access with 'email_students': False,
+        and the student identifier (email or username) given as 'identifiers' in the request.
+
+        Asserts the reponse returns cleanly, that the student was added as a beta tester, and the
+        response properly contains their identifier, 'error': False, and 'userDoesNotExist': False.
+        Additionally asserts no email was sent.
+        """
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
         self.assertTrue(CourseBetaTesterRole(self.course.location).has_user(self.notenrolled_student))
         # test the response data
         expected = {
             "action": "add",
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.notenrolled_student.email,
+                    "identifier": identifier,
                     "error": False,
                     "userDoesNotExist": False
                 }
@@ -726,9 +782,33 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
         # Check the outbox
         self.assertEqual(len(mail.outbox), 0)
 
+    def test_add_notenrolled_email(self):
+        url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': False})
+        self.add_notenrolled(response, self.notenrolled_student.email)
+        self.assertFalse(CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(self.notenrolled_student, self.course.id))
+
+    def test_add_notenrolled_email_autoenroll(self):
+        url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': False, 'auto_enroll': True})
+        self.add_notenrolled(response, self.notenrolled_student.email)
+        self.assertTrue(CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(self.notenrolled_student, self.course.id))
+
+    def test_add_notenrolled_username(self):
+        url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.username, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': False})
+        self.add_notenrolled(response, self.notenrolled_student.username)
+        self.assertFalse(CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(self.notenrolled_student, self.course.id))
+
+    def test_add_notenrolled_username_autoenroll(self):
+        url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.username, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': False, 'auto_enroll': True})
+        self.add_notenrolled(response, self.notenrolled_student.username)
+        self.assertTrue(CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(self.notenrolled_student, self.course.id))
+
     def test_add_notenrolled_with_email(self):
         url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': True})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
         self.assertTrue(CourseBetaTesterRole(self.course.location).has_user(self.notenrolled_student))
@@ -737,7 +817,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
             "action": "add",
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.notenrolled_student.email,
+                    "identifier": self.notenrolled_student.email,
                     "error": False,
                     "userDoesNotExist": False
                 }
@@ -769,7 +849,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
         url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
         # Try with marketing site enabled
         with patch.dict('django.conf.settings.FEATURES', {'ENABLE_MKTG_SITE': True}):
-            response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': True})
+            response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notenrolled_student.email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': True})
 
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
         self.assertEqual(
@@ -786,14 +866,14 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
     def test_enroll_with_email_not_registered(self):
         # User doesn't exist
         url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.notregistered_email, 'action': 'add', 'email_students': True})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
         # test the response data
         expected = {
             "action": "add",
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.notregistered_email,
+                    "identifier": self.notregistered_email,
                     "error": True,
                     "userDoesNotExist": True
                 }
@@ -807,7 +887,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
 
     def test_remove_without_email(self):
         url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.beta_tester.email, 'action': 'remove', 'email_students': False})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.beta_tester.email, 'action': 'remove', 'email_students': False})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
         self.assertFalse(CourseBetaTesterRole(self.course.location).has_user(self.beta_tester))
@@ -817,7 +897,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
             "action": "remove",
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.beta_tester.email,
+                    "identifier": self.beta_tester.email,
                     "error": False,
                     "userDoesNotExist": False
                 }
@@ -831,7 +911,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
 
     def test_remove_with_email(self):
         url = reverse('bulk_beta_modify_access', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id})
-        response = self.client.get(url, {'emails': self.beta_tester.email, 'action': 'remove', 'email_students': True})
+        response = self.client.get(url, {'identifiers': self.beta_tester.email, 'action': 'remove', 'email_students': True})
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
         self.assertFalse(CourseBetaTesterRole(self.course.location).has_user(self.beta_tester))
@@ -841,7 +921,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIBulkBetaEnrollment(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTe
             "action": "remove",
             "results": [
                 {
-                    "email": self.beta_tester.email,
+                    "identifier": self.beta_tester.email,
                     "error": False,
                     "userDoesNotExist": False
                 }
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
index bd1573845b..ef5ef690b0 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ from django_comment_common.models import (
 )
 
 from courseware.models import StudentModule
-from student.models import unique_id_for_user
+from student.models import unique_id_for_user, CourseEnrollment
 import instructor_task.api
 from instructor_task.api_helper import AlreadyRunningError
 from instructor_task.views import get_task_completion_info
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ def require_level(level):
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
 @require_level('staff')
-@require_query_params(action="enroll or unenroll", emails="stringified list of emails")
+@require_query_params(action="enroll or unenroll", identifiers="stringified list of emails and/or usernames")
 def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
     """
     Enroll or unenroll students by email.
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
 
     Query Parameters:
     - action in ['enroll', 'unenroll']
-    - emails is string containing a list of emails separated by anything split_input_list can handle.
+    - identifiers is string containing a list of emails and/or usernames separated by anything split_input_list can handle.
     - auto_enroll is a boolean (defaults to false)
         If auto_enroll is false, students will be allowed to enroll.
         If auto_enroll is true, students will be enrolled as soon as they register.
@@ -244,8 +244,8 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
     """
 
     action = request.GET.get('action')
-    emails_raw = request.GET.get('emails')
-    emails = _split_input_list(emails_raw)
+    identifiers_raw = request.GET.get('identifiers')
+    identifiers = _split_input_list(identifiers_raw)
     auto_enroll = request.GET.get('auto_enroll') in ['true', 'True', True]
     email_students = request.GET.get('email_students') in ['true', 'True', True]
 
@@ -255,23 +255,23 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
         email_params = get_email_params(course, auto_enroll)
 
     results = []
-    for email in emails:
+    for identifier in identifiers:
+        # First try to get a user object from the identifer
+        user = None
+        email = None
+        try:
+            user = get_student_from_identifier(identifier)
+        except User.DoesNotExist:
+            email = identifier
+        else:
+            email = user.email
+
         try:
             # Use django.core.validators.validate_email to check email address
             # validity (obviously, cannot check if email actually /exists/,
             # simply that it is plausibly valid)
-            validate_email(email)
-        except ValidationError:
-            # Flag this email as an error if invalid, but continue checking
-            # the remaining in the list
-            results.append({
-                'email': email,
-                'error': True,
-                'invalidEmail': True,
-            })
-            continue
+            validate_email(email)  # Raises ValidationError if invalid
 
-        try:
             if action == 'enroll':
                 before, after = enroll_email(course_id, email, auto_enroll, email_students, email_params)
             elif action == 'unenroll':
@@ -281,20 +281,29 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
                     "Unrecognized action '{}'".format(action)
                 ))
 
+        except ValidationError:
+            # Flag this email as an error if invalid, but continue checking
+            # the remaining in the list
             results.append({
-                'email': email,
-                'before': before.to_dict(),
-                'after': after.to_dict(),
+                'identifier': identifier,
+                'invalidIdentifier': True,
             })
-        # catch and log any exceptions
-        # so that one error doesn't cause a 500.
+
         except Exception as exc:  # pylint: disable=W0703
+            # catch and log any exceptions
+            # so that one error doesn't cause a 500.
             log.exception("Error while #{}ing student")
             log.exception(exc)
             results.append({
-                'email': email,
+                'identifier': identifier,
                 'error': True,
-                'invalidEmail': False,
+            })
+
+        else:
+            results.append({
+                'identifier': identifier,
+                'before': before.to_dict(),
+                'after': after.to_dict(),
             })
 
     response_payload = {
@@ -310,7 +319,7 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
 @require_level('instructor')
 @common_exceptions_400
 @require_query_params(
-    emails="stringified list of emails",
+    identifiers="stringified list of emails and/or usernames",
     action="add or remove",
 )
 def bulk_beta_modify_access(request, course_id):
@@ -318,13 +327,15 @@ def bulk_beta_modify_access(request, course_id):
     Enroll or unenroll users in beta testing program.
 
     Query parameters:
-    - emails is string containing a list of emails separated by anything split_input_list can handle.
+    - identifiers is string containing a list of emails and/or usernames separated by
+      anything split_input_list can handle.
     - action is one of ['add', 'remove']
     """
     action = request.GET.get('action')
-    emails_raw = request.GET.get('emails')
-    emails = _split_input_list(emails_raw)
+    identifiers_raw = request.GET.get('identifiers')
+    identifiers = _split_input_list(identifiers_raw)
     email_students = request.GET.get('email_students') in ['true', 'True', True]
+    auto_enroll = request.GET.get('auto_enroll') in ['true', 'True', True]
     results = []
     rolename = 'beta'
     course = get_course_by_id(course_id)
@@ -333,11 +344,11 @@ def bulk_beta_modify_access(request, course_id):
     if email_students:
         email_params = get_email_params(course, auto_enroll=False)
 
-    for email in emails:
+    for identifier in identifiers:
         try:
             error = False
             user_does_not_exist = False
-            user = User.objects.get(email=email)
+            user = get_student_from_identifier(identifier)
 
             if action == 'add':
                 allow_access(course, user, rolename)
@@ -360,10 +371,16 @@ def bulk_beta_modify_access(request, course_id):
             # If no exception thrown, see if we should send an email
             if email_students:
                 send_beta_role_email(action, user, email_params)
+            # See if we should autoenroll the student
+            if auto_enroll:
+                # Check if student is already enrolled
+                if not CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(user, course_id):
+                    CourseEnrollment.enroll(user, course_id)
+
         finally:
             # Tabulate the action result of this email address
             results.append({
-                'email': email,
+                'identifier': identifier,
                 'error': error,
                 'userDoesNotExist': user_does_not_exist
             })
@@ -543,8 +560,9 @@ def get_students_features(request, course_id, csv=False):  # pylint: disable=W06
 
     student_data = analytics.basic.enrolled_students_features(course_id, query_features)
 
-    # Scrape the query features for i18n - can't translate here because it breaks further queries
-    # and how the coffeescript works. The actual translation will be done in data_download.coffee
+    # Provide human-friendly and translatable names for these features. These names
+    # will be displayed in the table generated in data_download.coffee. It is not (yet)
+    # used as the header row in the CSV, but could be in the future.
     query_features_names = {
         'username': _('Username'),
         'name': _('Name'),
@@ -1086,7 +1104,7 @@ def update_forum_role_membership(request, course_id):
     target_is_instructor = has_access(user, course, 'instructor')
     # cannot revoke instructor
     if target_is_instructor and action == 'revoke' and rolename == FORUM_ROLE_ADMINISTRATOR:
-        return HttpResponseBadRequest("Cannot revoke instructor forum admin privelages.")
+        return HttpResponseBadRequest("Cannot revoke instructor forum admin privileges.")
 
     try:
         update_forum_role(course_id, user, rolename, action)
diff --git a/lms/static/coffee/src/instructor_dashboard/membership.coffee b/lms/static/coffee/src/instructor_dashboard/membership.coffee
index 78311441e0..bdd63a1089 100644
--- a/lms/static/coffee/src/instructor_dashboard/membership.coffee
+++ b/lms/static/coffee/src/instructor_dashboard/membership.coffee
@@ -178,19 +178,22 @@ class AuthListWidget extends MemberListWidget
 class BetaTesterBulkAddition
   constructor: (@$container) ->
     # gather elements
-    @$emails_input           = @$container.find("textarea[name='student-emails-for-beta']")
+    @$identifier_input       = @$container.find("textarea[name='student-ids-for-beta']")
     @$btn_beta_testers       = @$container.find("input[name='beta-testers']")
     @$checkbox_emailstudents = @$container.find("input[name='email-students']")
+    @$checkbox_autoenroll    = @$container.find("input[name='auto-enroll']")
     @$task_response          = @$container.find(".request-response")
     @$request_response_error = @$container.find(".request-response-error")
 
     # click handlers
     @$btn_beta_testers.click =>
       emailStudents = @$checkbox_emailstudents.is(':checked')
+      autoEnroll = @$checkbox_autoenroll.is(':checked')
       send_data = 
         action: $(event.target).data('action')  # 'add' or 'remove'
-        emails: @$emails_input.val()
+        identifiers: @$identifier_input.val()
         email_students: emailStudents
+        auto_enroll: autoEnroll
 
       $.ajax
         dataType: 'json'
@@ -199,13 +202,22 @@ class BetaTesterBulkAddition
         success: (data) => @display_response data
         error: std_ajax_err => @fail_with_error gettext "Error adding/removing users as beta testers."
 
+  # clear the input text field
+  clear_input: ->
+    @$identifier_input.val ''
+    # default for the checkboxes should be checked
+    @$checkbox_emailstudents.attr('checked', true)
+    @$checkbox_autoenroll.attr('checked', true)
+
   fail_with_error: (msg) ->
     console.warn msg
+    @clear_input()
     @$task_response.empty()
     @$request_response_error.empty()
     @$request_response_error.text msg
 
   display_response: (data_from_server) ->
+    @clear_input()
     @$task_response.empty()
     @$request_response_error.empty()
     errors = []
@@ -219,39 +231,37 @@ class BetaTesterBulkAddition
       else
         successes.push student_results
 
-    console.log(sr.email for sr in successes)
-
-    render_list = (label, emails) =>
+    render_list = (label, ids) =>
       task_res_section = $ '<div/>', class: 'request-res-section'
       task_res_section.append $ '<h3/>', text: label
-      email_list = $ '<ul/>'
-      task_res_section.append email_list
+      ids_list = $ '<ul/>'
+      task_res_section.append ids_list
 
-      for email in emails
-        email_list.append $ '<li/>', text: email
+      for identifier in ids
+        ids_list.append $ '<li/>', text: identifier
 
       @$task_response.append task_res_section
 
     if successes.length and data_from_server.action is 'add'
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
-      render_list gettext("These users were successfully added as beta testers:"), (sr.email for sr in successes)
+      render_list gettext("These users were successfully added as beta testers:"), (sr.identifier for sr in successes)
 
     if successes.length and data_from_server.action is 'remove'
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
-      render_list gettext("These users were successfully removed as beta testers:"), (sr.email for sr in successes)
+      render_list gettext("These users were successfully removed as beta testers:"), (sr.identifier for sr in successes)
 
     if errors.length and data_from_server.action is 'add'
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
-      render_list gettext("These users were not added as beta testers:"), (sr.email for sr in errors)
+      render_list gettext("These users were not added as beta testers:"), (sr.identifier for sr in errors)
 
     if errors.length and data_from_server.action is 'remove'
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
-      render_list gettext("These users were not removed as beta testers:"), (sr.email for sr in errors)
+      render_list gettext("These users were not removed as beta testers:"), (sr.identifier for sr in errors)
 
     if no_users.length
-      no_users.push gettext("Users must create and activate their account before they can be promoted to beta tester.")
-      `// Translators: A list of email addresses appears after this sentence`
-      render_list gettext("Could not find users associated with the following email addresses:"), (sr.email for sr in no_users)
+      no_users.push $ gettext("Users must create and activate their account before they can be promoted to beta tester.")
+      `// Translators: A list of identifiers (which are email addresses and/or usernames) appears after this sentence`
+      render_list gettext("Could not find users associated with the following identifiers:"), (sr.identifier for sr in no_users)
 
 # Wrapper for the batch enrollment subsection.
 # This object handles buttons, success and failure reporting,
@@ -259,7 +269,7 @@ class BetaTesterBulkAddition
 class BatchEnrollment
   constructor: (@$container) ->
     # gather elements
-    @$emails_input           = @$container.find("textarea[name='student-emails']")
+    @$identifier_input       = @$container.find("textarea[name='student-ids']")
     @$enrollment_button      = @$container.find(".enrollment-button")
     @$checkbox_autoenroll    = @$container.find("input[name='auto-enroll']")
     @$checkbox_emailstudents = @$container.find("input[name='email-students']")
@@ -271,7 +281,7 @@ class BatchEnrollment
       emailStudents: @$checkbox_emailstudents.is(':checked')
       send_data =
         action: $(event.target).data('action') # 'enroll' or 'unenroll'
-        emails: @$emails_input.val()
+        identifiers: @$identifier_input.val()
         auto_enroll: @$checkbox_autoenroll.is(':checked')
         email_students: emailStudents
 
@@ -283,21 +293,30 @@ class BatchEnrollment
         error: std_ajax_err => @fail_with_error gettext "Error enrolling/unenrolling users."
 
 
+  # clear the input text field
+  clear_input: ->
+    @$identifier_input.val ''
+    # default for the checkboxes should be checked
+    @$checkbox_emailstudents.attr('checked', true)
+    @$checkbox_autoenroll.attr('checked', true)
+
   fail_with_error: (msg) ->
     console.warn msg
+    @clear_input()
     @$task_response.empty()
     @$request_response_error.empty()
     @$request_response_error.text msg
 
   display_response: (data_from_server) ->
+    @clear_input()
     @$task_response.empty()
     @$request_response_error.empty()
 
     # these results arrays contain student_results
     # only populated arrays will be rendered
     #
-    # invalid email addresses
-    invalid_email = []
+    # invalid identifiers
+    invalid_identifier = []
     # students for which there was an error during the action
     errors = []
     # students who are now enrolled in the course
@@ -315,7 +334,7 @@ class BatchEnrollment
     for student_results in data_from_server.results
       # for a successful action.
       # student_results is of the form {
-      #   "email": "jd405@edx.org",
+      #   "identifier": "jd405@edx.org",
       #   "before": {
       #     "enrollment": true,
       #     "auto_enroll": false,
@@ -332,13 +351,14 @@ class BatchEnrollment
       #
       # for an action error.
       # student_results is of the form {
-      #   'email': email,
+      #   'identifier': identifier,
+      #   # then one of:
       #   'error': True,
-      #   'invalidEmail': True,  # if email doesn't match "[^@]+@[^@]+\.[^@]+"
+      #   'invalidIdentifier': True  # if identifier can't find a valid User object and doesn't pass validate_email
       # }
 
-      if student_results.invalidEmail
-        invalid_email.push student_results
+      if student_results.invalidIdentifier
+        invalid_identifier.push student_results
 
       else if student_results.error
         errors.push student_results
@@ -364,19 +384,19 @@ class BatchEnrollment
         console.warn student_results
 
     # render populated result arrays
-    render_list = (label, emails) =>
+    render_list = (label, ids) =>
       task_res_section = $ '<div/>', class: 'request-res-section'
       task_res_section.append $ '<h3/>', text: label
-      email_list = $ '<ul/>'
-      task_res_section.append email_list
+      ids_list = $ '<ul/>'
+      task_res_section.append ids_list
 
-      for email in emails
-        email_list.append $ '<li/>', text: email
+      for identifier in ids
+        ids_list.append $ '<li/>', text: identifier
 
       @$task_response.append task_res_section
 
-    if invalid_email.length
-      render_list gettext("The following email addresses are invalid:"), (sr.email for sr in invalid_email)
+    if invalid_identifier.length
+      render_list gettext("The following email addresses and/or usernames are invalid:"), (sr.identifier for sr in invalid_identifier)
 
     if errors.length
       errors_label = do ->
@@ -389,53 +409,53 @@ class BatchEnrollment
           "There was an error processing:"
 
       for student_results in errors
-        render_list errors_label, (sr.email for sr in errors)
+        render_list errors_label, (sr.identifier for sr in errors)
 
     if enrolled.length and emailStudents
-      render_list gettext("Successfully enrolled and sent email to the following users:"), (sr.email for sr in enrolled)
+      render_list gettext("Successfully enrolled and sent email to the following users:"), (sr.identifier for sr in enrolled)
 
     if enrolled.length and not emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
-      render_list gettext("Successfully enrolled the following users:"), (sr.email for sr in enrolled)
+      render_list gettext("Successfully enrolled the following users:"), (sr.identifier for sr in enrolled)
 
     # Student hasn't registered so we allow them to enroll
     if allowed.length and emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("Successfully sent enrollment emails to the following users. They will be allowed to enroll once they register:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in allowed)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in allowed)
 
     # Student hasn't registered so we allow them to enroll
     if allowed.length and not emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("These users will be allowed to enroll once they register:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in allowed)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in allowed)
 
     # Student hasn't registered so we allow them to enroll with autoenroll
     if autoenrolled.length and emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("Successfully sent enrollment emails to the following users. They will be enrolled once they register:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in autoenrolled)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in autoenrolled)
 
     # Student hasn't registered so we allow them to enroll with autoenroll
     if autoenrolled.length and not emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("These users will be enrolled once they register:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in autoenrolled)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in autoenrolled)
 
     if notenrolled.length and emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("Emails successfully sent. The following users are no longer enrolled in the course:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in notenrolled)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in notenrolled)
 
     if notenrolled.length and not emailStudents
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("The following users are no longer enrolled in the course:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in notenrolled)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in notenrolled)
 
     if notunenrolled.length
       `// Translators: A list of users appears after this sentence`
       render_list gettext("These users were not affiliated with the course so could not be unenrolled:"),
-        (sr.email for sr in notunenrolled)
+        (sr.identifier for sr in notunenrolled)
 
 # Wrapper for auth list subsection.
 # manages a list of users who have special access.
diff --git a/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss b/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss
index 7348b97698..924de892c9 100644
--- a/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss
+++ b/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss
@@ -358,6 +358,11 @@ section.instructor-dashboard-content-2 {
     display: block;
   }
 
+  label[for="auto-enroll-beta"]:hover + .auto-enroll-beta-hint {
+    width: 30%;
+    display: block;
+  }
+
 
   label[for="email-students"]:hover + .email-students-hint {
     display: block;
diff --git a/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/membership.html b/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/membership.html
index df639a37d6..38e78c0f1c 100644
--- a/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/membership.html
+++ b/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/membership.html
@@ -30,9 +30,10 @@
 <div class="batch-enrollment">
   <h2> ${_("Batch Enrollment")} </h2>
   <p>
-    <label for="student-emails">${_("Enter email addresses separated by new lines or commas.")}
+    <label for="student-ids">
+      ${_("Enter email addresses and/or usernames separated by new lines or commas.")}
       ${_("You will not get notification for emails that bounce, so please double-check spelling.")} </label>
-    <textarea rows="6" name="student-emails" placeholder="${_("Email Addresses")}" spellcheck="false"></textarea>
+    <textarea rows="6" name="student-ids" placeholder="${_("Email Addresses/Usernames")}" spellcheck="false"></textarea>
   </p>
 
   <div class="enroll-option">
@@ -70,16 +71,29 @@
 
 %if section_data['access']['instructor']:
 <div class="batch-beta-testers">
-  <h2> ${_("Batch Beta Testers")} </h2>
+  <h2> ${_("Batch Beta Tester Addition")} </h2>
   <p>
-    <label for="student-emails-for-beta">
-      ${_("Enter email addresses separated by new lines or commas.")}<br/>
+    <label for="student-ids-for-beta">
+      ${_("Enter email addresses and/or usernames separated by new lines or commas.")}<br/>
       ${_("Note: Users must have an activated {platform_name} account before they can be enrolled as a beta tester.").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
     </label>
 
-  <textarea rows="6" cols="50" name="student-emails-for-beta" placeholder="${_("Email Addresses")}" spellcheck="false"></textarea>
+  <textarea rows="6" cols="50" name="student-ids-for-beta" placeholder="${_("Email Addresses/Usernames")}" spellcheck="false"></textarea>
   </p>
 
+  <div class="enroll-option">
+    <input type="checkbox" name="auto-enroll" value="Auto-Enroll" checked="yes">
+    <label for="auto-enroll-beta">${_("Auto Enroll")}</label>
+    <div class="hint auto-enroll-beta-hint">
+      <span class="hint-caret"></span>
+      <p>
+	${_("If this option is <em>checked</em>, users who have not enrolled in your course will be automatically enrolled.")}
+	<br /><br />
+	${_("Checking this box has no effect if 'Remove beta testers' is selected.")}
+      </p>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+
   <div class="enroll-option">
     <input type="checkbox" name="email-students" value="Notify-students-by-email" checked="yes">
     <label for="email-students-beta">${_("Notify users by email")}</label>