This report responds to the California State Legislature request to examine the time needed to complete a doctoral degree and make recommendations relative to methods of increasing the rate of progress toward receiving doctoral degrees through the University of California without compromising the integrity of the academic process. The report outlines recent trends on attrition and time to the doctoral degree both nationally and at the University of California, as well as factors that appear to contribute to student attrition and lengthy time required to complete the doctoral degree requirements. However, the report does not offer recommendations on how these trends might be reversed or how these factors can be overcome. In addition, the report presents information concerning the changes in degree distribution by: (1) field of study; (2) gender; and (3) ethnicity. The basic characteristics of doctoral degree recipients are also presented. Appendices, which comprise over 75% of the report, include Senate Concurrent Resolution 66, and the University of California's document, "Factors Affecting Completion of Doctoral Degrees at the University of California." Contains a 63-item bibliography. (GLR)