diff --git a/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py b/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py
index 67e33fb9eb..e5ec9c3f20 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/django_comment_common/models.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def assign_default_role(course_id, user):
     """
     Assign forum default role 'Student' to user
     """
-    role, __ = Role.objects.get_or_create(course_id=course_id, name="Student")
+    role, __ = Role.objects.get_or_create(course_id=course_id, name=FORUM_ROLE_STUDENT)
     user.roles.add(role)