In 2017, the University of Utah experienced a tragedy that accelerated already proposed changes to the physics and astronomy graduate program. This article outlines the changes made to the graduate program and discusses students' experiences with the early implementation of the new policies. In-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with students over 2 years to understand their experiences under or with the new graduate program. Findings suggest that student interviews and direct recruitment aided in students' decisions to attend a graduate program, and a weeklong orientation helped build community among the cohorts. A centralized Advising Day, dictated by the department, facilitated enrolled students meeting with department members to ensure they were on track in their program and taking courses geared toward research interests favored by students. Findings suggest that qualifying or comprehensive exams need more instruction and study materials, and that students still face issues of financial insecurities, healthcare concerns, and sexism that need addressing. Further research should examine how these reforms have impacted students at the end of their time in the program. Content Warning: This paper discusses the death by suicide of a graduate student.