Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. The university as hyper-producer of inequity -- Mortgaging our brains : black women, privatization, and subprime PHDs -- Ain't I precarious : black academic women as contingent -- Black academic women and the family tariff neoliberal era -- Jumping mountains : resisting the marketized university -- Conclusion: Statement of solidarity.

"Neoliberal practices of the contemporary university cause disproportionate economic hardships for women, especially those who are students or adjuncts, are members of racialized groups, belong to underpaid disciplines, or are employed at less prestigious institutions. Lean Semesters addresses the reality that women of color, particularly Black women, are vulnerable to compounded forms of exploitation and inequity as faculty members"-- Provided by publisher.