diff --git a/CHANGELOG.rst b/CHANGELOG.rst
index b54d0b622f..a62b0fb009 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.rst
+++ b/CHANGELOG.rst
@@ -11,6 +11,10 @@ Common: Switch over from MITX_FEATURES to just FEATURES. To override items in
   the FEATURES dict, the environment variable you must set to do so is also
   now called FEATURES instead of MITX_FEATURES.
 
+LMS: Change the forum role granted to global staff on enrollment in a
+course. Previously, staff were given the Moderator role; now, they are
+given the Student role.
+
 Blades: Fix Numerical input to support mathematical operations. BLD-525.
 
 Blades: Improve calculator's tooltip accessibility. Add possibility to navigate
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py b/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py
index 7878f1b453..c345f26919 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py
@@ -32,13 +32,8 @@ def assign_default_role(sender, instance, **kwargs):
     #     instance.user.roles.remove(*course_roles)
     #     return
 
-    # We've enrolled the student, so make sure they have a default role
-    if instance.user.is_staff:
-        role = Role.objects.get_or_create(course_id=instance.course_id, name="Moderator")[0]
-    else:
-        role = Role.objects.get_or_create(course_id=instance.course_id, name="Student")[0]
-
-    logging.info("assign_default_role: adding %s as %s" % (instance.user, role))
+    # We've enrolled the student, so make sure they have the Student role
+    role = Role.objects.get_or_create(course_id=instance.course_id, name="Student")[0]
     instance.user.roles.add(role)
 
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/tests.py b/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/tests.py
index 47790f1e1e..fd776c75d3 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/tests.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/tests.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ class RoleAssignmentTest(TestCase):
     """
 
     def setUp(self):
+        # Check a staff account because those used to get the Moderator role
         self.staff_user = User.objects.create_user(
             "patty",
             "patty@fake.edx.org",
@@ -25,18 +26,13 @@ class RoleAssignmentTest(TestCase):
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.student_user, self.course_id)
 
     def test_enrollment_auto_role_creation(self):
-        moderator_role = Role.objects.get(
-            course_id=self.course_id,
-            name="Moderator"
-        )
         student_role = Role.objects.get(
             course_id=self.course_id,
             name="Student"
         )
-        self.assertIn(moderator_role, self.staff_user.roles.all())
 
-        self.assertIn(student_role, self.student_user.roles.all())
-        self.assertNotIn(moderator_role, self.student_user.roles.all())
+        self.assertEqual([student_role], list(self.staff_user.roles.all()))
+        self.assertEqual([student_role], list(self.student_user.roles.all()))
 
     # The following was written on the assumption that unenrolling from a course
     # should remove all forum Roles for that student for that course. This is