How to Assume the Role of a User

Assuming the role of a user is a very useful tool when it comes to testing and troubleshooting different sections of your site. This article will outline the purpose of assuming the role of a user as well as how to do so from different areas within your site. 

In this Article...

• Purpose of Assuming a User's Role
• Assume Role from Manage Users
• Assume Role through the User's Profile
• Return to your Administrative Access
• Common Use Cases

Purpose of Assuming a User's Role

The purpose of assuming the role of a user is twofold:

First, it allows you to test your site including testing the different visibility of users based on roles and programs they are associated with. This can be helpful in determining each user has access to the right tasks based on their role and activity on the site.

Secondly, it allows you to troubleshoot errors that a user may report to you as an administrator to determine if the issue lies with the user or with the build of the site.

Assume Role from Manage Users

1. Go to Manage Users
2. Locate the user in the list of users in your site
3. Hover your cursor over the user and click on the More Options icon in the far right column
4. Click Assume Role
   

Assume Role through the User's Profile

1. Go to Manage Users
2. Click on the Name of the User
3. Click on the More Options icon in the top right corner
4. Click Assume Role

If you are in the Full-Screen view of the profile:

1. Click Actions
2. Click Assume Role

Returning to your Administrative Access

Once you are done assuming the role of the User you will need to return to your administrative access of the site. If you try to access administrative tools while assuming the role of another user, you will receive an error page as the site currently recognizes you as having that user’s permissions.

To exit the Assume Role feature:

1. Click on the Return to Admin button.

Common Use Cases

In order to provide more insight into this feature, below are a few examples of why you might assume the role of a user. 

User Type	Situation/Reason
Test User	This could be an Applicant, Reviewer, Recommender or Administrator. Complete tasks in the site and ensure that a submission moves throughout the workflow as planned, associated automations fire, confirmation emails send, etc.
Applicant	See the application process from the view of an applicant - which tasks are available to the user, submission activity, the user's profile details, active submissions, etc.
Reviewer	Confirm that assignments are appearing for the reviewer in their review portal, monitor progress and completion of assignments, etc.
Recommender	Assist a recommender with completing their recommendation for an Applicant.
Administrator	Confirm that all necessary permissions are enabled for administrators on the site to complete required administrative duties. This is related to enabling administrator roles and granting specific permissions to particular users.