diff --git a/course/models.py b/course/models.py
index a72cba9a70e06f397d37d4623a3c93d9f18bac52..6beeb7898cc3c3834d4c50e5b81ce4b1927ce7fc 100644
--- a/course/models.py
+++ b/course/models.py
@@ -609,7 +609,7 @@ def add_default_roles_and_permissions(course,
         add_student_permissions(role)
 
     def add_instructor_permissions(role):
-        rpm(role=role, permission=pp.use_admin_interface)
+        rpm(role=role, permission=pp.use_admin_interface).save()
         rpm(role=role, permission=pp.impersonate_role,
                 argument="ta").save()
         rpm(role=role, permission=pp.edit_course_permissions).save()