diff --git a/common/djangoapps/enrollment/tests/test_views.py b/common/djangoapps/enrollment/tests/test_views.py
index 914075ee1f..bc2d29b2bd 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/enrollment/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/enrollment/tests/test_views.py
@@ -150,10 +150,9 @@ class EnrollmentTest(EnrollmentTestMixin, ModuleStoreTestCase, APITestCase):
         throttle = EnrollmentUserThrottle()
         self.rate_limit, rate_duration = throttle.parse_rate(throttle.rate)
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        # Load a CourseOverview. This initial load should result in a cache
-        # miss; the modulestore is queried and course metadata is cached.
-        __ = CourseOverview.get_from_id(self.course.id)
+        # Pass emit_signals when creating the course so it would be cached
+        # as a CourseOverview.
+        self.course = CourseFactory.create(emit_signals=True)
 
         self.user = UserFactory.create(
             username=self.USERNAME,
@@ -336,7 +335,7 @@ class EnrollmentTest(EnrollmentTestMixin, ModuleStoreTestCase, APITestCase):
         requesting user.
         """
         # Create another course, and enroll self.user in both courses.
-        other_course = CourseFactory.create()
+        other_course = CourseFactory.create(emit_signals=True)
         for course in self.course, other_course:
             CourseModeFactory.create(
                 course_id=unicode(course.id),
@@ -345,7 +344,7 @@ class EnrollmentTest(EnrollmentTestMixin, ModuleStoreTestCase, APITestCase):
             )
             self.assert_enrollment_status(
                 course_id=unicode(course.id),
-                max_mongo_calls=1,
+                max_mongo_calls=0,
             )
         # Verify the user himself can see both of his enrollments.
         self._assert_enrollments_visible_in_list([self.course, other_course])
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/branding/__init__.py b/lms/djangoapps/branding/__init__.py
index a7f8c512c1..3f2e64a09d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/branding/__init__.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/branding/__init__.py
@@ -14,27 +14,22 @@ from django.conf import settings
 from opaque_keys.edx.locations import SlashSeparatedCourseKey
 from microsite_configuration import microsite
 from django.contrib.staticfiles.storage import staticfiles_storage
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.course_overviews.models import CourseOverview
 
 
 def get_visible_courses():
     """
     Return the set of CourseDescriptors that should be visible in this branded instance
     """
-
     filtered_by_org = microsite.get_value('course_org_filter')
-
-    _courses = modulestore().get_courses(org=filtered_by_org)
-
-    courses = [c for c in _courses
-               if isinstance(c, CourseDescriptor)]
+    courses = CourseOverview.get_all_courses(org=filtered_by_org)
     courses = sorted(courses, key=lambda course: course.number)
 
-    subdomain = microsite.get_value('subdomain', 'default')
-
     # See if we have filtered course listings in this domain
     filtered_visible_ids = None
 
     # this is legacy format which is outside of the microsite feature -- also handle dev case, which should not filter
+    subdomain = microsite.get_value('subdomain', 'default')
     if hasattr(settings, 'COURSE_LISTINGS') and subdomain in settings.COURSE_LISTINGS and not settings.DEBUG:
         filtered_visible_ids = frozenset(
             [SlashSeparatedCourseKey.from_deprecated_string(c) for c in settings.COURSE_LISTINGS[subdomain]]
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/class_dashboard/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/class_dashboard/views.py
index c5d6db4be5..d5d67c793e 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/class_dashboard/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/class_dashboard/views.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import json
 from django.http import HttpResponse
 from opaque_keys.edx.locations import SlashSeparatedCourseKey
 
-from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access
+from courseware.courses import get_course_overview_with_access
 from courseware.access import has_access
 from class_dashboard import dashboard_data
 
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ def has_instructor_access_for_class(user, course_id):
     Returns true if the `user` is an instructor for the course.
     """
 
-    course = get_course_with_access(user, 'staff', course_id, depth=None)
+    course = get_course_overview_with_access(user, 'staff', course_id)
     return bool(has_access(user, 'staff', course))
 
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_wiki/middleware.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_wiki/middleware.py
index 89fff00220..76de84234c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_wiki/middleware.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_wiki/middleware.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from django.shortcuts import redirect
 from django.core.exceptions import PermissionDenied
 from wiki.models import reverse
 
-from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access
+from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access, get_course_overview_with_access
 from courseware.access import has_access
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from util.request import course_id_from_url
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ class WikiAccessMiddleware(object):
         if course_id:
             # See if we are able to view the course. If we are, redirect to it
             try:
-                _course = get_course_with_access(request.user, 'load', course_id)
+                get_course_overview_with_access(request.user, 'load', course_id)
                 return redirect("/courses/{course_id}/wiki/{path}".format(course_id=course_id.to_deprecated_string(), path=wiki_path))
             except Http404:
                 # Even though we came from the course, we can't see it. So don't worry about it.
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access.py
index d2f24298bf..66cf45e928 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access.py
@@ -105,10 +105,10 @@ def has_access(user, action, obj, course_key=None):
     # delegate the work to type-specific functions.
     # (start with more specific types, then get more general)
     if isinstance(obj, CourseDescriptor):
-        return _has_access_course_desc(user, action, obj)
+        return _has_access_course(user, action, obj)
 
     if isinstance(obj, CourseOverview):
-        return _has_access_course_overview(user, action, obj)
+        return _has_access_course(user, action, obj)
 
     if isinstance(obj, ErrorDescriptor):
         return _has_access_error_desc(user, action, obj, course_key)
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ def _can_load_course_on_mobile(user, course):
     be checked by callers in *addition* to the return value of this function.
 
     Arguments:
-        user (User): the user whose course access  we are checking.
+        user (User): the user whose course access we are checking.
         course (CourseDescriptor|CourseOverview): the course for which we are
             checking access.
 
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ def _can_enroll_courselike(user, courselike):
     return ACCESS_DENIED
 
 
-def _has_access_courselike(user, action, courselike):
+def _has_access_course(user, action, courselike):
     """
     Check if user has access to a course.
 
@@ -297,11 +297,21 @@ def _has_access_courselike(user, action, courselike):
 
         NOTE: this is not checking whether user is actually enrolled in the course.
         """
-        # delegate to generic descriptor check to check start dates
-        return _has_access_descriptor(user, 'load', course, course.id)
+        response = (
+            _visible_to_nonstaff_users(courselike) and
+            _can_access_descriptor_with_start_date(user, courselike, courselike.id)
+        )
+
+        return (
+            ACCESS_GRANTED if (response or _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, courselike, courselike.id))
+            else response
+        )
 
     def can_enroll():
-        return _can_enroll_courselike(user, course)
+        """
+        Returns whether the user can enroll in the course.
+        """
+        return _can_enroll_courselike(user, courselike)
 
     def see_exists():
         """
@@ -317,8 +327,8 @@ def _has_access_courselike(user, action, courselike):
         but also allow course staff to see this.
         """
         return (
-            _has_catalog_visibility(course, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_CATALOG_AND_ABOUT)
-            or _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, course, course.id)
+            _has_catalog_visibility(courselike, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_CATALOG_AND_ABOUT)
+            or _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, courselike, courselike.id)
         )
 
     def can_see_about_page():
@@ -328,75 +338,25 @@ def _has_access_courselike(user, action, courselike):
         but also allow course staff to see this.
         """
         return (
-            _has_catalog_visibility(course, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_CATALOG_AND_ABOUT)
-            or _has_catalog_visibility(course, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_ABOUT)
-            or _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, course, course.id)
+            _has_catalog_visibility(courselike, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_CATALOG_AND_ABOUT)
+            or _has_catalog_visibility(courselike, CATALOG_VISIBILITY_ABOUT)
+            or _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, courselike, courselike.id)
         )
 
     checkers = {
         'load': can_load,
         'view_courseware_with_prerequisites':
-            lambda: _can_view_courseware_with_prerequisites(user, course),
-        'load_mobile': lambda: can_load() and _can_load_course_on_mobile(user, course),
+            lambda: _can_view_courseware_with_prerequisites(user, courselike),
+        'load_mobile': lambda: can_load() and _can_load_course_on_mobile(user, courselike),
         'enroll': can_enroll,
         'see_exists': see_exists,
-        'staff': lambda: _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, course, course.id),
-        'instructor': lambda: _has_instructor_access_to_descriptor(user, course, course.id),
+        'staff': lambda: _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, courselike, courselike.id),
+        'instructor': lambda: _has_instructor_access_to_descriptor(user, courselike, courselike.id),
         'see_in_catalog': can_see_in_catalog,
         'see_about_page': can_see_about_page,
     }
 
-    return _dispatch(checkers, action, user, course)
-
-
-def _can_load_course_overview(user, course_overview):
-    """
-    Check if a user can load a course overview.
-
-    Arguments:
-        user (User): the user whose course access we are checking.
-        course_overview (CourseOverview): a course overview.
-
-    Note:
-        The user doesn't have to be enrolled in the course in order to have load
-        load access.
-    """
-    response = (
-        _visible_to_nonstaff_users(course_overview)
-        and _can_access_descriptor_with_start_date(user, course_overview, course_overview.id)
-    )
-
-    return (
-        ACCESS_GRANTED if (response or _has_staff_access_to_descriptor(user, course_overview, course_overview.id))
-        else response
-    )
-
-_COURSE_OVERVIEW_CHECKERS = {
-    'enroll': _can_enroll_courselike,
-    'load': _can_load_course_overview,
-    'load_mobile': lambda user, course_overview: (
-        _can_load_course_overview(user, course_overview)
-        and _can_load_course_on_mobile(user, course_overview)
-    ),
-    'view_courseware_with_prerequisites': _can_view_courseware_with_prerequisites
-}
-COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS = _COURSE_OVERVIEW_CHECKERS.keys()
-
-
-def _has_access_course_overview(user, action, course_overview):
-    """
-    Check if user has access to a course overview.
-
-    Arguments:
-        user (User): the user whose course access we are checking.
-        action (str): the action the user is trying to perform.
-            See COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS for valid values.
-        course_overview (CourseOverview): overview of the course in question.
-    """
-    if action in _COURSE_OVERVIEW_CHECKERS:
-        return _COURSE_OVERVIEW_CHECKERS[action](user, course_overview)
-    else:
-        raise ValueError(u"Unknown action for object type 'CourseOverview': '{}'".format(action))
+    return _dispatch(checkers, action, user, courselike)
 
 
 def _has_access_error_desc(user, action, descriptor, course_key):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
index 328396d21b..a31ed93288 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ from django.conf import settings
 
 from edxmako.shortcuts import render_to_string
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
-from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.exceptions import ItemNotFoundError
 from static_replace import replace_static_urls
@@ -37,6 +36,7 @@ from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 import branding
 
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.course_overviews.models import CourseOverview
 
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -58,7 +58,6 @@ def get_course(course_id, depth=0):
     return course
 
 
-# TODO please rename this function to get_course_by_key at next opportunity!
 def get_course_by_id(course_key, depth=0):
     """
     Given a course id, return the corresponding course descriptor.
@@ -94,9 +93,39 @@ def get_course_with_access(user, action, course_key, depth=0, check_if_enrolled=
     check_if_enrolled: If true, additionally verifies that the user is either enrolled in the course
       or has staff access.
     """
-    assert isinstance(course_key, CourseKey)
-    course = get_course_by_id(course_key, depth=depth)
-    access_response = has_access(user, action, course, course_key)
+    course = get_course_by_id(course_key, depth)
+    check_course_access(course, user, action, check_if_enrolled)
+    return course
+
+
+def get_course_overview_with_access(user, action, course_key, check_if_enrolled=False):
+    """
+    Given a course_key, look up the corresponding course overview,
+    check that the user has the access to perform the specified action
+    on the course, and return the course overview.
+
+    Raises a 404 if the course_key is invalid, or the user doesn't have access.
+
+    check_if_enrolled: If true, additionally verifies that the user is either enrolled in the course
+      or has staff access.
+    """
+    try:
+        course_overview = CourseOverview.get_from_id(course_key)
+    except CourseOverview.DoesNotExist:
+        raise Http404("Course not found.")
+    check_course_access(course_overview, user, action, check_if_enrolled)
+    return course_overview
+
+
+def check_course_access(course, user, action, check_if_enrolled=False):
+    """
+    Check that the user has the access to perform the specified action
+    on the course (CourseDescriptor|CourseOverview).
+
+    check_if_enrolled: If true, additionally verifies that the user is either
+    enrolled in the course or has staff access.
+    """
+    access_response = has_access(user, action, course, course.id)
 
     if not access_response:
         # Deliberately return a non-specific error message to avoid
@@ -104,12 +133,11 @@ def get_course_with_access(user, action, course_key, depth=0, check_if_enrolled=
         raise CoursewareAccessException(access_response)
 
     if check_if_enrolled:
-        # Verify that the user is either enrolled in the course or a staff member.
-        # If user is not enrolled, raise UserNotEnrolled exception that will be caught by middleware.
-        if not ((user.id and CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(user, course_key)) or has_access(user, 'staff', course)):
-            raise UserNotEnrolled(course_key)
-
-    return course
+        # Verify that the user is either enrolled in the course or a staff
+        # member.  If user is not enrolled, raise UserNotEnrolled exception
+        # that will be caught by middleware.
+        if not ((user.id and CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(user, course.id)) or has_access(user, 'staff', course)):
+            raise UserNotEnrolled(course.id)
 
 
 def find_file(filesystem, dirs, filename):
@@ -129,16 +157,6 @@ def find_file(filesystem, dirs, filename):
     raise ResourceNotFoundError(u"Could not find {0}".format(filename))
 
 
-def get_course_university_about_section(course):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
-    """
-    Returns a snippet of HTML displaying the course's university.
-
-    Arguments:
-        course (CourseDescriptor|CourseOverview): A course.
-    """
-    return course.display_org_with_default
-
-
 def get_course_about_section(request, course, section_key):
     """
     This returns the snippet of html to be rendered on the course about page,
@@ -146,9 +164,6 @@ def get_course_about_section(request, course, section_key):
 
     Valid keys:
     - overview
-    - title
-    - university
-    - number
     - short_description
     - description
     - key_dates (includes start, end, exams, etc)
@@ -159,6 +174,7 @@ def get_course_about_section(request, course, section_key):
     - syllabus
     - textbook
     - faq
+    - effort
     - more_info
     - ocw_links
     """
@@ -167,7 +183,6 @@ def get_course_about_section(request, course, section_key):
     # markup. This can change without effecting this interface when we find a
     # good format for defining so many snippets of text/html.
 
-    # TODO: Remove number, instructors from this set
     html_sections = {
         'short_description',
         'description',
@@ -180,8 +195,6 @@ def get_course_about_section(request, course, section_key):
         'textbook',
         'faq',
         'more_info',
-        'number',
-        'instructors',
         'overview',
         'effort',
         'end_date',
@@ -225,12 +238,6 @@ def get_course_about_section(request, course, section_key):
                 section_key, course.location.to_deprecated_string()
             )
             return None
-    elif section_key == "title":
-        return course.display_name_with_default
-    elif section_key == "university":
-        return get_course_university_about_section(course)
-    elif section_key == "number":
-        return course.display_number_with_default
 
     raise KeyError("Invalid about key " + str(section_key))
 
@@ -366,22 +373,6 @@ def get_course_syllabus_section(course, section_key):
     raise KeyError("Invalid about key " + str(section_key))
 
 
-def get_courses_by_university(user, domain=None):
-    '''
-    Returns dict of lists of courses available, keyed by course.org (ie university).
-    Courses are sorted by course.number.
-    '''
-    # TODO: Clean up how 'error' is done.
-    # filter out any courses that errored.
-    visible_courses = get_courses(user, domain)
-
-    universities = defaultdict(list)
-    for course in visible_courses:
-        universities[course.org].append(course)
-
-    return universities
-
-
 def get_courses(user, domain=None):
     '''
     Returns a list of courses available, sorted by course.number
@@ -400,6 +391,16 @@ def get_courses(user, domain=None):
     return courses
 
 
+def get_permission_for_course_about():
+    """
+    Returns the CourseOverview object for the course after checking for access.
+    """
+    return microsite.get_value(
+        'COURSE_ABOUT_VISIBILITY_PERMISSION',
+        settings.COURSE_ABOUT_VISIBILITY_PERMISSION
+    )
+
+
 def sort_by_announcement(courses):
     """
     Sorts a list of courses by their announcement date. If the date is
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py
index a72b5c2cdf..193de70570 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 
-from courseware.access import has_access, COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS
+from courseware.access import has_access
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.course_overviews.models import CourseOverview
 from student.models import Registration
 
@@ -151,30 +151,27 @@ class CourseAccessTestMixin(TestCase):
         """
         Assert that a user has access to the given action for a given course.
 
-        Test with both the given course and, if the action is supported, with
-        a CourseOverview of the given course.
+        Test with both the given course and with a CourseOverview of the given
+        course.
 
         Arguments:
             user (User): a user.
             action (str): type of access to test.
-                See access.py:COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS.
             course (CourseDescriptor): a course.
         """
         self.assertTrue(has_access(user, action, course))
-        if action in COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS:
-            self.assertTrue(has_access(user, action, CourseOverview.get_from_id(course.id)))
+        self.assertTrue(has_access(user, action, CourseOverview.get_from_id(course.id)))
 
     def assertCannotAccessCourse(self, user, action, course):
         """
         Assert that a user lacks access to the given action the given course.
 
-        Test with both the given course and, if the action is supported, with
-        a CourseOverview of the given course.
+        Test with both the given course and with a CourseOverview of the given
+        course.
 
         Arguments:
             user (User): a user.
             action (str): type of access to test.
-                See access.py:COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS.
             course (CourseDescriptor): a course.
 
         Note:
@@ -184,5 +181,4 @@ class CourseAccessTestMixin(TestCase):
             stack traces of failed tests easier to understand at a glance.
         """
         self.assertFalse(has_access(user, action, course))
-        if action in COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS:
-            self.assertFalse(has_access(user, action, CourseOverview.get_from_id(course.id)))
+        self.assertFalse(has_access(user, action, CourseOverview.get_from_id(course.id)))
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py
index b60baaca3c..d9b222d69b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
         mock_unit.start = start
         self.verify_access(mock_unit, expected_access, expected_error_type)
 
-    def test__has_access_course_desc_can_enroll(self):
+    def test__has_access_course_can_enroll(self):
         yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
@@ -248,11 +248,11 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
             id=SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'test', '2012_Fall'), enrollment_domain=''
         )
         CourseEnrollmentAllowedFactory(email=user.email, course_id=course.id)
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'enroll', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'enroll', course))
 
         # Staff can always enroll even outside the open enrollment period
         user = StaffFactory.create(course_key=course.id)
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'enroll', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'enroll', course))
 
         # Non-staff cannot enroll if it is between the start and end dates and invitation only
         # and not specifically allowed
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
             invitation_only=True
         )
         user = UserFactory.create()
-        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'enroll', course))
+        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course(user, 'enroll', course))
 
         # Non-staff can enroll if it is between the start and end dates and not invitation only
         course = Mock(
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
             id=SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'test', '2012_Fall'), enrollment_domain='',
             invitation_only=False
         )
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'enroll', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'enroll', course))
 
         # Non-staff cannot enroll outside the open enrollment period if not specifically allowed
         course = Mock(
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
             id=SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'test', '2012_Fall'), enrollment_domain='',
             invitation_only=False
         )
-        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'enroll', course))
+        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course(user, 'enroll', course))
 
     def test__user_passed_as_none(self):
         """Ensure has_access handles a user being passed as null"""
@@ -296,40 +296,30 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
             id=course_id,
             catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_CATALOG_AND_ABOUT
         )
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_in_catalog', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_about_page', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'see_in_catalog', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'see_about_page', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'see_in_catalog', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'see_about_page', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'see_in_catalog', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'see_about_page', course))
 
         # Now set visibility to just about page
         course = Mock(
             id=SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'test', '2012_Fall'),
             catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_ABOUT
         )
-        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_in_catalog', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_about_page', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'see_in_catalog', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'see_about_page', course))
+        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course(user, 'see_in_catalog', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'see_about_page', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'see_in_catalog', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'see_about_page', course))
 
         # Now set visibility to none, which means neither in catalog nor about pages
         course = Mock(
             id=SlashSeparatedCourseKey('edX', 'test', '2012_Fall'),
             catalog_visibility=CATALOG_VISIBILITY_NONE
         )
-        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_in_catalog', course))
-        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_about_page', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'see_in_catalog', course))
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'see_about_page', course))
-
-    @ddt.data(True, False)
-    @patch.dict("django.conf.settings.FEATURES", {'ACCESS_REQUIRE_STAFF_FOR_COURSE': True})
-    def test_see_exists(self, ispublic):
-        """
-        Test if user can see course
-        """
-        user = UserFactory.create(is_staff=False)
-        course = Mock(ispublic=ispublic)
-        self.assertEquals(bool(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'see_exists', course)), ispublic)
+        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course(user, 'see_in_catalog', course))
+        self.assertFalse(access._has_access_course(user, 'see_about_page', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'see_in_catalog', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'see_about_page', course))
 
     @patch.dict("django.conf.settings.FEATURES", {'ENABLE_PREREQUISITE_COURSES': True, 'MILESTONES_APP': True})
     def test_access_on_course_with_pre_requisites(self):
@@ -351,16 +341,16 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
         # user should not be able to load course even if enrolled
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(user=user, course_id=course.id)
-        response = access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'view_courseware_with_prerequisites', course)
+        response = access._has_access_course(user, 'view_courseware_with_prerequisites', course)
         self.assertFalse(response)
         self.assertIsInstance(response, access_response.MilestoneError)
         # Staff can always access course
         staff = StaffFactory.create(course_key=course.id)
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(staff, 'view_courseware_with_prerequisites', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(staff, 'view_courseware_with_prerequisites', course))
 
         # User should be able access after completing required course
         fulfill_course_milestone(pre_requisite_course.id, user)
-        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course_desc(user, 'view_courseware_with_prerequisites', course))
+        self.assertTrue(access._has_access_course(user, 'view_courseware_with_prerequisites', course))
 
     @ddt.data(
         (True, True, True),
@@ -377,10 +367,10 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
         descriptor.mobile_available = mobile_available
 
         self.assertEqual(
-            bool(access._has_access_course_desc(self.student, 'load_mobile', descriptor)),
+            bool(access._has_access_course(self.student, 'load_mobile', descriptor)),
             student_expected
         )
-        self.assertEqual(bool(access._has_access_course_desc(self.staff, 'load_mobile', descriptor)), staff_expected)
+        self.assertEqual(bool(access._has_access_course(self.staff, 'load_mobile', descriptor)), staff_expected)
 
     @patch.dict("django.conf.settings.FEATURES", {'ENABLE_PREREQUISITE_COURSES': True, 'MILESTONES_APP': True})
     def test_courseware_page_unfulfilled_prereqs(self):
@@ -552,7 +542,6 @@ class CourseOverviewAccessTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             user_attr_name (str): the name of the attribute on self that is the
                 User to test with.
             action (str): action to test with.
-                See COURSE_OVERVIEW_SUPPORTED_ACTIONS for valid values.
             course_attr_name (str): the name of the attribute on self that is
                 the CourseDescriptor to test with.
         """
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py
index bf528801a0..c87bf922ee 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ from courseware.courses import (
     get_course_info_section, get_course_about_section, get_cms_block_link
 )
 
-from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access
+from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access, get_course_overview_with_access
 from courseware.module_render import get_module_for_descriptor
 from courseware.tests.helpers import get_request_for_user
 from courseware.model_data import FieldDataCache
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.xml_importer import import_course_from_xml
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import TEST_DATA_MIXED_TOY_MODULESTORE
-from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory, check_mongo_calls
 from xmodule.tests.xml import factories as xml
 from xmodule.tests.xml import XModuleXmlImportTest
 
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ TEST_DATA_DIR = settings.COMMON_TEST_DATA_ROOT
 
 
 @attr('shard_1')
+@ddt.ddt
 class CoursesTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     """Test methods related to fetching courses."""
 
@@ -57,16 +58,28 @@ class CoursesTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         cms_url = u"//{}/course/{}".format(CMS_BASE_TEST, unicode(self.course.location))
         self.assertEqual(cms_url, get_cms_block_link(self.course, 'course'))
 
-    def test_get_course_with_access(self):
+    @ddt.data(get_course_with_access, get_course_overview_with_access)
+    def test_get_course_func_with_access_error(self, course_access_func):
         user = UserFactory.create()
         course = CourseFactory.create(visible_to_staff_only=True)
 
         with self.assertRaises(CoursewareAccessException) as error:
-            get_course_with_access(user, 'load', course.id)
+            course_access_func(user, 'load', course.id)
         self.assertEqual(error.exception.message, "Course not found.")
         self.assertEqual(error.exception.access_response.error_code, "not_visible_to_user")
         self.assertFalse(error.exception.access_response.has_access)
 
+    @ddt.data(
+        (get_course_with_access, 1),
+        (get_course_overview_with_access, 0),
+    )
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_get_course_func_with_access(self, course_access_func, num_mongo_calls):
+        user = UserFactory.create()
+        course = CourseFactory.create(emit_signals=True)
+        with check_mongo_calls(num_mongo_calls):
+            course_access_func(user, 'load', course.id)
+
 
 @attr('shard_1')
 class ModuleStoreBranchSettingTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views.py
index fdcb37d44f..9f29068485 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views.py
@@ -37,11 +37,17 @@ from courseware.access import has_access, _adjust_start_date_for_beta_testers
 from courseware.access_response import StartDateError
 from courseware.access_utils import in_preview_mode
 from courseware.courses import (
-    get_courses, get_course, get_course_by_id,
-    get_studio_url, get_course_with_access,
+    get_courses,
+    get_course,
+    get_course_by_id,
+    get_permission_for_course_about,
+    get_studio_url,
+    get_course_overview_with_access,
+    get_course_with_access,
     sort_by_announcement,
     sort_by_start_date,
-    UserNotEnrolled)
+    UserNotEnrolled
+)
 from courseware.masquerade import setup_masquerade
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credit.api import (
     get_credit_requirement_status,
@@ -802,11 +808,8 @@ def course_about(request, course_id):
     course_key = SlashSeparatedCourseKey.from_deprecated_string(course_id)
 
     with modulestore().bulk_operations(course_key):
-        permission_name = microsite.get_value(
-            'COURSE_ABOUT_VISIBILITY_PERMISSION',
-            settings.COURSE_ABOUT_VISIBILITY_PERMISSION
-        )
-        course = get_course_with_access(request.user, permission_name, course_key)
+        permission = get_permission_for_course_about()
+        course = get_course_with_access(request.user, permission, course_key)
 
         if microsite.get_value('ENABLE_MKTG_SITE', settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_MKTG_SITE', False)):
             return redirect(reverse('info', args=[course.id.to_deprecated_string()]))
@@ -1066,7 +1069,7 @@ def submission_history(request, course_id, student_username, location):
     except (InvalidKeyError, AssertionError):
         return HttpResponse(escape(_(u'Invalid location.')))
 
-    course = get_course_with_access(request.user, 'load', course_key)
+    course = get_course_overview_with_access(request.user, 'load', course_key)
     staff_access = bool(has_access(request.user, 'staff', course))
 
     # Permission Denied if they don't have staff access and are trying to see
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py
index 4aff5dfc94..79ae6921bc 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 
 from courseware.access import has_access
 from util.file import store_uploaded_file
-from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access, get_course_by_id
+from courseware.courses import get_course_with_access, get_course_overview_with_access, get_course_by_id
 import django_comment_client.settings as cc_settings
 from django_comment_common.signals import (
     thread_created,
@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@ def users(request, course_id):
 
     course_key = CourseKey.from_string(course_id)
     try:
-        get_course_with_access(request.user, 'load', course_key, check_if_enrolled=True)
+        get_course_overview_with_access(request.user, 'load', course_key, check_if_enrolled=True)
     except Http404:
         # course didn't exist, or requesting user does not have access to it.
         return JsonError(status=404)
diff --git a/lms/templates/course.html b/lms/templates/course.html
index a25dcee6bb..8fffd9b262 100644
--- a/lms/templates/course.html
+++ b/lms/templates/course.html
@@ -2,30 +2,28 @@
 <%!
 from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
-from courseware.courses import get_course_about_section
-from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
 %>
 <%page args="course" />
-<article class="course" id="${course.id | h}" role="region" aria-label="${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')}">
+<article class="course" id="${course.id | h}" role="region" aria-label="${course.display_name_with_default}">
   <a href="${reverse('about_course', args=[course.id.to_deprecated_string()])}">
     <header class="course-image">
       <div class="cover-image">
-        <img src="${course_image_url(course)}" alt="${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')} ${course.display_number_with_default}" />
+        <img src="${course.course_image_url | h}" alt="${course.display_name_with_default} ${course.display_number_with_default | h}" />
         <div class="learn-more" aria-hidden=true>${_("LEARN MORE")}</div>
       </div>
     </header>
     <div class="course-info" aria-hidden="true">
       <h2 class="course-name">
-        <span class="course-organization">${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'university')}</span>
-        <span class="course-code">${course.display_number_with_default}</span>
-        <span class="course-title">${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')}</span>
+        <span class="course-organization">${course.display_org_with_default | h}</span>
+        <span class="course-code">${course.display_number_with_default | h}</span>
+        <span class="course-title">${course.display_name_with_default}</span>
       </h2>
       <div class="course-date" aria-hidden="true">${_("Starts")}: ${course.start_datetime_text()}</div>
     </div>
     <div class="sr">
       <ul>
-      <li>${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'university')}</li>
-      <li>${course.display_number_with_default}</li>
+      <li>${course.display_org_with_default | h}</li>
+      <li>${course.display_number_with_default | h}</li>
       <li>${_("Starts")}: <time itemprop="startDate" datetime="${course.start_datetime_text()}">${course.start_datetime_text()}</time></li>
     </ul>
     </div>
diff --git a/lms/templates/courseware/course_about.html b/lms/templates/courseware/course_about.html
index ae0c41deaf..1d009726d4 100644
--- a/lms/templates/courseware/course_about.html
+++ b/lms/templates/courseware/course_about.html
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
 <%block name="headextra">
   ## OG (Open Graph) title and description added below to give social media info to display
   ## (https://developers.facebook.com/docs/opengraph/howtos/maximizing-distribution-media-content#tags)
-  <meta property="og:title" content="${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')}" />
+  <meta property="og:title" content="${course.display_name_with_default}" />
   <meta property="og:description" content="${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'short_description')}" />
 </%block>
 
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
   <script src="${static.url('js/course_info.js')}"></script>
 </%block>
 
-<%block name="pagetitle">${get_course_about_section(request, course, "title")}</%block>
+<%block name="pagetitle">${course.display_name_with_default}</%block>
 
 <section class="course-info">
   <header class="course-profile">
@@ -111,9 +111,9 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
       <section class="intro">
         <hgroup>
           <h1>
-            ${get_course_about_section(request, course, "title")}
+            ${course.display_name_with_default}
             % if not self.theme_enabled():
-              <a href="#">${get_course_about_section(request, course, "university")}</a>
+              <a href="#">${course.display_org_with_default | h}</a>
             % endif
           </h1>
         </hgroup>
@@ -220,10 +220,10 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
             ##       or something allowing themes to do whatever they
             ##       want here (and on this whole page, really).
             % if self.stanford_theme_enabled():
-              <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+just+enrolled+in+${course.number}+${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')}!+(http://class.stanford.edu)" class="share">
+              <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+just+enrolled+in+${course.number}+${course.display_name_with_default}!+(http://class.stanford.edu)" class="share">
                 <i class="icon fa fa-twitter"></i><span class="sr">${_("Tweet that you've enrolled in this course")}</span>
               </a>
-              <a href="mailto:?subject=Take%20a%20course%20at%20Stanford%20online!&body=I%20just%20enrolled%20in%20${course.number}%20${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')}+(http://class.stanford.edu)" class="share">
+              <a href="mailto:?subject=Take%20a%20course%20at%20Stanford%20online!&body=I%20just%20enrolled%20in%20${course.number}%20${course.display_name_with_default}+(http://class.stanford.edu)" class="share">
                 <i class="icon fa fa-envelope"></i><span class="sr">${_("Email someone to say you've enrolled in this course")}</span>
               </a>
             % else:
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
                 ## Twitter account. {url} should appear at the end of the text.
                 tweet_text = _("I just enrolled in {number} {title} through {account}: {url}").format(
                     number=course.number,
-                    title=get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title'),
+                    title=course.display_name_with_default,
                     account=microsite.get_value('course_about_twitter_account', settings.PLATFORM_TWITTER_ACCOUNT),
                     url=u"http://{domain}{path}".format(
                         domain=site_domain,
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
                     subject=_("Take a course with {platform} online").format(platform=platform_name),
                     body=_("I just enrolled in {number} {title} through {platform} {url}").format(
                         number=course.number,
-                        title=get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title'),
+                        title=course.display_name_with_default,
                         platform=platform_name,
                         url=u"http://{domain}{path}".format(
                             domain=site_domain,
diff --git a/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html b/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html
index 50e6b1ac1a..0f1337700a 100644
--- a/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html
+++ b/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
 from django.utils.translation import ungettext
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
 from markupsafe import escape
-from courseware.courses import get_course_university_about_section
 from course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from course_modes.helpers import enrollment_mode_display
 from student.helpers import (
@@ -99,7 +98,7 @@ from student.helpers import (
           % endif
         </h3>
         <div class="course-info">
-          <span class="info-university">${get_course_university_about_section(course_overview)} - </span>
+          <span class="info-university">${course_overview.display_org_with_default | h} - </span>
           <span class="info-course-id">${course_overview.display_number_with_default | h}</span>
           <span class="info-date-block" data-tooltip="Hi">
           % if course_overview.has_ended():
diff --git a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/receipt.html b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/receipt.html
index 66209219b6..6bccd94cc7 100644
--- a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/receipt.html
+++ b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/receipt.html
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
 from django.utils.translation import ungettext
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
-from courseware.courses import get_course_about_section, get_course_by_id
 from markupsafe import escape
 from microsite_configuration import microsite
 from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
@@ -293,7 +292,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
         <div class="clearfix">
           <div class="image">
             <img class="item-image" src="${course_image_url(course)}"
-                 alt="${course.display_number_with_default | h} ${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')} Image"/>
+                 alt="${course.display_number_with_default | h} ${course.display_name_with_default} Image"/>
           </div>
           <div class="data-input">
 
diff --git a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_receipt.html b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_receipt.html
index 94e21a8de7..b0eba27f9c 100644
--- a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_receipt.html
+++ b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_receipt.html
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <%!
 from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
-from courseware.courses import get_course_about_section
 from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
 %>
 <%inherit file="../main.html" />
@@ -21,7 +20,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
         <img class="item-image" src="${course_image_url(course)}"
             alt="${_("{course_number} {course_title} Cover Image").format(
               course_number=course.display_number_with_default,
-              course_title=get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title'),
+              course_title=course.display_name_with_default,
             )}"/>
       </div>
       <div class="enrollment-details">
diff --git a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_redemption.html b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_redemption.html
index 00ab425932..6c8601e651 100644
--- a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_redemption.html
+++ b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/registration_code_redemption.html
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <%!
 from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
-from courseware.courses import get_course_about_section
 from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
 %>
 <%inherit file="../main.html" />
@@ -21,7 +20,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
         <img class="item-image" src="${course_image_url(course)}"
             alt="${_("{course_number} {course_title} Cover Image").format(
               course_number=course.display_number_with_default,
-              course_title=get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title'),
+              course_title=course.display_name_with_default,
             )}" />
       </div>
       <div class="enrollment-details">
diff --git a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/shopping_cart.html b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/shopping_cart.html
index b81c431b9b..eb6f5e8e82 100644
--- a/lms/templates/shoppingcart/shopping_cart.html
+++ b/lms/templates/shoppingcart/shopping_cart.html
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 <%block name="review_highlight">class="active"</%block>
 
 <%!
-from courseware.courses import get_course_about_section
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
 from edxmako.shortcuts import marketing_link
 from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
@@ -67,7 +66,7 @@ from openedx.core.lib.courses import course_image_url
         <div class="clearfix">
         <div class="image">
           <img class="item-image" src="${course_image_url(course)}"
-              alt="${course.display_number_with_default | h} ${get_course_about_section(request, course, 'title')} ${_('Cover Image')}" />
+              alt="${course.display_number_with_default | h} ${course.display_name_with_default} ${_('Cover Image')}" />
         </div>
         <div class="data-input">
           ## Translators: "Registration for:" is followed by a course name