explanatory meetings

大学の入学式も様変わりしているとの記事です。専大も取り上げられていました。

Universities put more life into entrance ceremonies

University entrance ceremonies have been taking on new dimensions. Lively entrance ceremonies enhance the welcoming atmosphere, as well as provide parents with essential information. Universities tend to try and motivate students and offer support to parents.
Motivating students

Senshu University has held explanatory meetings for parents after the entrance ceremony since the 2005 academic year. The university aims to gain parents’ understanding not only about the search for jobs, but also school life. At a briefing on April 5, Hiroyuki Shirafuji, dean of the School of Law, said, “The door of the dean’s office is always open. Please tell [your children] to come to me if they have any problems.”

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001208975

explanatory meetingsは武道館の入学式のあと、場所を変えて神田校舎で行われた父兄説明会のことを指します。UG先生も英文科の説明にあたられたとのことです。これは"serving to explain" (Webster)と定義されるように元々はでこぼこの木の表面にカンナ（plane）をかけて平らにすることから来ているというのは先生の受け売りでした。（Ume）