diff --git a/cms/envs/common.py b/cms/envs/common.py
index 12fa09947a..c348753632 100644
--- a/cms/envs/common.py
+++ b/cms/envs/common.py
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ MITX_FEATURES = {
     'ENABLE_DISCUSSION_SERVICE': False,
     'AUTH_USE_MIT_CERTIFICATES': False,
     'STUB_VIDEO_FOR_TESTING': False,   # do not display video when running automated acceptance tests
+    'STAFF_EMAIL': '',			# email address for staff (eg to request course creation)
 }
 ENABLE_JASMINE = False
 
diff --git a/cms/templates/index.html b/cms/templates/index.html
index 9482b9d9af..6a59ac8b86 100644
--- a/cms/templates/index.html
+++ b/cms/templates/index.html
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@
           <li class="nav-item">
             % if not disable_course_creation:
               <a href="#" class="button new-button new-course-button"><i class="ss-icon ss-symbolicons-standard icon icon-create">&#x002B;</i> New Course</a>
+	    % elif settings.MITX_FEATURES.get('STAFF_EMAIL',''):
+	      <a href="mailto:${settings.MITX_FEATURES.get('STAFF_EMAIL','')}">Email staff to create course</a>
             % endif
           </li>
         </ul>